Support staff pay in independent schools does not reflect their “essential contribution”, the leader of the UK’s biggest teaching union has said.
Daniel Kebede, general secretary of the National Education Union (NEU), made the comments as delegates at the union’s annual conference passed a motion to build a national campaign to improve support staff pay in private schools.
The campaign could pile pressure on some schools with high NEU membership at a time when they are being financially squeezed by cost-of-living concerns and the potential impact of VAT on fees.
Delegates at the gathering in Bournemouth also heard how a recent poll found that nine out of 10 support staff have been noticeably affected by cost-of-living pressures, with seven out of 10 saying their pay “could be better or was inadequate.”
Mr Kebede said that a fifth of support staff members who work in independent schools had told the NEU they had received no cost-of-living increase for the academic year 2023/2024.
Commenting on the motion, Mr Kebede said: “Independent sector employers need to do far better by support staff, who are the backbone of every school.
“Support staff pay in independent schools does not reflect their essential contribution. The cost-of-living crisis has further eroded living standards.
“One in five support staff members who work in independent schools tell us they receive no cost-of-living increase for the academic year 2023/2024. Many are forced to take on additional work to make ends meet.
“The NEU says to employers, don’t just pay lip service. Show that you value support staff by reviewing and increasing their pay.
“The National Education Union is a modern trade union. We don’t divide and separate by role or grade. We organise by workplace. We stand as one.
“When teachers and support staff stand together, our power multiplies.
“If employers won’t do right by their support staff, then the NEU will use our strength to organise and campaign for support staff in the independent sector.”
The motion regarding independent sector support staff pay was one of many being debating during the NEU’s conference, which continues until Saturday (April 6)
Teachers voted against moving to a formal ballot for strike action over pay and funding next term, with members opting to wait until a formal pay offer is made by the government.