Catholic schools trust bosses must meet workers to resolve dispute, says union

UNISON says the Our Lady of Lourdes multi-academy trust which runs Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Primary School in Sleaford and St Hugh's Catholic Primary School, Lincoln, has made “no progress” on dealing with “serious concerns” about the plans to cut jobs and reduce hours for teaching and support staff, but UNISON says it's not too late to avoid further strikes.

More than 60 support staff, parents and members of the community highlighted their worries at demonstrations at the trusts' head offices in Nottingham and Derby on Thursday (April 9). UNISON, which has raised formal disputes with the employers and staged two days of walkouts last month, said no representatives of either trust met anyone attending the protest.

They were joined outside schools last month with members of teaching union NASUWT whose members also face staff cuts and having to reapply for jobs.

UNISON says proposed changes would have a devastating financial impact on the support staff, many of whom are already among the lowest paid in education and struggling with the rising cost of living.

Significant reductions in pay, alongside job losses, would push some staff into real hardship, it says, forcing difficult choices about household essentials and undermining their financial security.

Union leaders claim a cut in staff while workloads increase would directly affect the education, wellbeing and safety of pupils, particularly those with additional needs who rely on consistent, skilled support, the union says. They claim the health and safety of pupils across the schools could also be put at risk.

More than 1,500 people have signed a letter calling for Bishop of Nottingham, the Right Revd Patrick McKinney, to pause the proposals and consider all possible funding solutions.

The union has had no formal response from the Bishop or any significant proposals from employers.

UNISON East Midlands schools lead Josie Lloyd said: "Staff have been left worrying about their futures, and those of their colleagues and pupils, over the Easter break.

"Cutting hours, reducing pay and axing jobs is unacceptable. The fact that the trusts have failed to engage with staff or the union speaks volumes.

"But there's still time to avoid further strikes by pausing the processes, sitting down for talks and exploring all funding alternatives."

The multi-academy trust has been approached for comment.

Previously, a spokesperson for Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Multi‑Academy Trust said: “Our priority is to deliver high‑quality Catholic education and care for children while continuing to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of all our 36 schools.

“As part of our ongoing commitment to educate our young people, we have set out proposals to reshape staffing arrangements in a small number of our schools and within our central services.

“These proposals are now subject to a full consultation process with the colleagues who may be affected. Our aim is to find savings through voluntary options wherever possible, with compulsory redundancies only considered if no alternative remains.

“We recognise how unsettling this period is for staff and are providing support throughout the consultation. We continue to engage with union representatives and other stakeholders to ensure our discussions remain constructive and transparent.”