All Perth and Kinross primary schools to close on Monday due to strike action

UNISON's focusing the action on First Minister John Swinney's constituency

Author: Dale EatonPublished 18th Oct 2024

All primary schools, early learning and childcare settings, intensive support provision and Fairview School will be closed in Perth and Kinross on Monday, 21st October, due to industrial action.

All secondary schools in Perth, expect St John's Academy (secondary) and the Community School of Auchterarder, will be open on Monday. Although, Intensive Support Provision will be closed.

The local authority say the situation will be reviewed daily during the planned two weeks of strike action.

UNISON is focusing on the region, First Minister John Swinney's constituency, for the national council staff pay dispute.

Addressing the strikes at First Minister's Questions earlier in the month, John Swinney said:"I think there's absolutely no justification for my constituents to be singled out and targeted just because I am the First Minister of Scotland."

Announcing the planned action on the 8th October, Stuart Hope, Unison's Perth and Kinross branch secretary said: “Taking action like this is the last thing school and early years staff want to do.

“Employees are taking this first stand on behalf of all local government workers because they’ve seen a decade of pay cuts and they see other sectors being offered deals of greater value.

“The Scottish government needs to understand that council staff need more than platitudes. Ministers must tackle the severe decline in local government funding and start to value councils and their dedicated workforce as they do other areas of public services.

“John Swinney is invited to join one of the picket lines to hear how undervalued council staff in his constituency feel.”

Council plans

In a statement posted on social media, a Perth and Kinross Council spokesperson said: "All primary schools, Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) settings, Intensive Support Provision (ISP) and Fairview School in Perth and Kinross will be closed on Monday October 21 because of industrial action taken by UNISON in a national dispute over pay.

"All secondary schools except St John's Academy (Secondary) in Perth and the Community School of Auchterarder, will be open on Monday. All secondary ISP provision will be closed. Navigate will be open.

"Due to the October holidays, it has not been possible, as previously indicated, to complete Risk Assessments for our primaries and ELC settings. This means we cannot guarantee there will be enough staff to ensure pupil safety and so have taken the decision to close these settings.

"The situation will be reviewed daily during the two weeks of industrial action planned by UNISON.

"It is possible a small number of primary schools will be able to open later in the week. However, the situation is likely to remain fluid and may change for individual schools on a day-to-day basis. We will continue to provide updates when necessary. Schools will also email parents and carers about their arrangements on Monday.

"Where schools are closed before and after school care (Breakfast Clubs, Kids Clubs and Wraparound Care) will also be closed.

"Remote learning will be provided when schools are closed to pupils as teachers are not taking part in the industrial action.

"Payments will be made to families whose children are eligible Free School Meals because their families are in receipt of qualifying benefits.

"We thank you for your understanding.

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