Academy chain ’s plan to axe staff could risk school safety

The safety of pupils and staff could be at risk if Ormiston Academies Trust – which runs primary and secondary schools across England – follows through with plans to cut caretaking and maintenance jobs, says UNISON today (Friday). The trust, which operates 38 schools across the country, has announced plans to axe or relocate vital support staff roles across its network. Ormiston is also proposing to cut a number of information and communication technology (ICT) jobs, with affected staff due to learn their fate just before Christmas. More than 130 posts in schools across the East of England, East Midlands, North West, South East, West Midlands and Yorkshire and Humberside will be affected. UNISON is concerned not enough thought has been given to the health, safety and welfare impact of cutting caretaking and maintenance roles. The union is urging the trust to pause its plans until a full assessment and proper consultation can take place. Yet Ormiston has set aside barely a month to decide the future of staff, which is not enough says UNISON. The threatened workers are responsible for conducting fire safety checks and ensuring fire alarms and escape routes are up to scratch. They also carry out regular building checks to make sure they’re safe and free of hazardous materials, such as asbestos. Staff are also on site to deal with maintenance emergencies, so they can limit the disruption to teaching and learning in the classroom. But from next April, Ormiston Academies Trus...
Source: UNISON Health care news - Category: UK Health Authors: Tags: News Press release academy schools school support staff Source Type: news