Teaching assistants start 12 days of strike action

The first of 12 days of strike action at an East Yorkshire school, catering for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), has started.

Teaching assistants who are members of the National Education Union (NEU) at St Anne's School and Sixth Form College in Hessle have walked out in a row over pay.

Strike action was also taken in April when the workers claimed changes to a new pay system did not cover extra duties.

Talks between the NEU and East Riding of Yorkshire Council (ERYC) took place last week but no agreement was reached.

The current round of strikes are due to run until Friday before further action takes place on 8, 9, 10, 11, 15, 16, 17 and 18 July.

Merlin Joseph, director of children’s services at the council, said the new structure was part of a council-wide programme which included all schools in the area.

She said: "We cannot agree to the NEU request for some staff at the school, because it would create an unequal pay structure across the local authority, and other schools.

"The wellbeing of staff and children is our priority and we have strongly requested the NEU reconsiders strike action."

Parents of the pupils at the school, including those who are given residential care, have criticised the situation saying they were "angry" about the walk outs.

They previously told the situation had "gone on too long" and said it would have a "negative impact on children who need routine the most".

Steve Scott, a regional organiser for the NEU, said he was "really sorry" about the industrial action.

He added: "My members are upset that they’ve had to take strike action but they are doing it to safeguard the education of the pupils.

"We hope it will also ensure staff are given training and have the correct qualifications to undertake their roles."

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