Schools minister confirms new pay body

Schools minister Jim Knight confirmed that a new national negotiating body for school support staff will be in place by September when he spoke at a UNISON schools seminar in London today.

It will provide national guidelines for pay and conditions.UNISON head of education Christina McAnea said it was a crucial step towards fair pay for this group of workers – made up of teaching assistants, nursery staff, administrators, secretaries, policy officers, technicians, cleaners, caretakers and school meals workers.

Their efforts had been undervalued for too long, she said, adding: “UNISON has campaigned long and hard for a fair system to recognise the very positive contribution made by schools support staff.”Ms McAnea pointed out that the government’s plans for extended children’s services will depend on schools support staff.

“To make this work, we need fair and equal pay and a robust training and career structure to apply in all schools. “The setting up of a national negotiating body for schools staff is a crucial step in this direction.”