72 per cent of support staff work over contracted hours

A survey by National Education Union (NEU) has found that 72 per cent of support staff work in excess of their contracted hours, and just one in seven (14.5 per cent) are paid for those extra hours.

For those who work extra hours, 74 per cent said their workload demands it. 30 per cent put it down to a reduction in staffing at their place of work.
   
75.5 per cent of respondents said their workload had increased in the past year. In the same period, 57 per cent reported that support staff numbers at their school had reduced.
    
Of those who work as cover supervisors, 73 per cent told us they are forced to engage in specified work – beyond their contract – and 75 per cent consider it to be effectively the work of a supply teacher.

Daniel Kebede, general secretary of the National Education Union, said: “Support staff working conditions continue to deteriorate due to the inadequate funding for the sector. These are some of the lowest-paid workers in schools, yet workload demands and responsibilities increase. Many are taking on work beyond their job description and for no money.

“Term-time only contracts mean many support staff workers must take on second jobs to survive. This is not sustainable. Support staff workers are crucial to the education of our children and young people.

“The National Education Union will continue to champion support staff, to ensure they receive the recognition and pay they deserve. The government, for their part, must prioritise proper funding for schools so that the pressures on staff are alleviated after 14 years of neglect. Austerity is ended in deeds, not words.”