School staff are preparing to strike over proposals that could result in some employees losing approximately 22% of their salary, according to a union. Members of the National Education Union (NEU) working as support staff at Codsall Multi-Academy Trust in South Staffordshire are set to walk out today, Thursday, June 10. Further industrial action is also scheduled for June 22, 23, and 24, a spokesperson for the NEU confirmed.
The union reported that discussions regarding pay protection have stalled. The trust, which operates St Nicholas CE First School, Birches First School, and Codsall Middle School near Wolverhampton, stated it is facing significant financial pressures. The NEU said its members voted to take industrial action on a turnout of 78%, with 100% voting in favor of challenging a consultation that proposes changes to teaching assistant and other support staff contracts. These changes could see some employees lose up to 22% of their salary.
Rebecca Cann, Staffordshire NEU branch secretary, said the union has asked the academy trust to meet again to further discuss its financial modeling. The academy trust acknowledged that the proposed changes may have a financial impact on some colleagues and emphasized that this decision was not taken lightly. In a statement, the trust said, "Like many schools and trusts nationally, we are facing significant financial pressures and have had to consider difficult proposals to secure the long-term sustainability of our schools."
The union expressed hope for a resolution, while the trust noted that it has engaged with staff and recognized unions throughout the consultation process, listened to feedback, and put forward a three-year transitional protection arrangement to support those affected. The trust recognized the strength of feeling among some support staff, respected their right to take lawful industrial action, and remains open to constructive discussions. The trust emphasized that its priority is to minimize disruption for children and families while continuing to provide a safe, supportive, and high-quality education across its schools.
