County Durham's teaching assistants face an uncertain new term
An uncertain start to the year for County Durham Teaching Assistants.
An uncertain start to the year for County Durham Teaching Assistants.
As the county’s TAs begin a new school term, there is still no definite answer to the question of their contracts, which has seen protests and strike action over the last 13 months.
At the end of last year, Durham County Council suspended plans to fire and rehire the TAs on new contracts, which according to them; would lead to pay-cuts of up to 23%.
Currently strike action is on hold, due to the new developments from the council, but TAs warn if more talks aren’t successful this could change.
Lisa Turnbull is a TA who’s been out at demonstrations in the run up to Christmas,
She said;
“You feel like a failure. I’m a single mam, I’ve worked in the same school all my working life since I was 17,
“My daughter doesn’t see me; I’m always doing this. This is what I do – campaigning.
“It’s heart-breaking, it’s really really hard.
“I’ve got to fight because if I don’t I can’t look her in the eye to say ‘I did my best’
“You don’t sleep because this preoccupies your every minute as well as working full time.”
She’s concerned the Council’s suspended position gives them the option to reinstate the ‘Fire and Rehire’ plans at any time;
“Me personally, I would like to hear that it’s not just a review; it’s a review to restructure;
“Nobody will lose money, nobody will be downgraded,
“And I want to hear they’ve withdrawn they’ve taken away our letters of redundancy.
“Because as it stands, they said ‘suspend’ and they will not withdraw.”
Durham County Council released a statement earlier about the dispute.
Durham County Council’s Director of Children & Young People Services, Margaret Whellans, said:
“Positive and productive talks are continuing between recognised trade unions and the Council, and a full review of the role and responsibilities of Durham teaching assistants is now underway.
“It is important to properly examine aspects of the employment of teaching assistants, including whether current job descriptions adequately describe the role.
“During this review the Council has agreed to suspend the dismissal and re-engagement process, with working and pay arrangements for all affected staff remaining unchanged pending its outcome.
“The review is already making progress, including ensuring appropriate and regular engagement with head teachers, governors, unions and teaching assistants. “This is a very complex situation, yet there is a clear desire that through this thorough review we find a way of resolving this dispute.
“The Council and unions look forward to working together to find an appropriate way forward.”