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To everyone in Worcestershire working over Christmas to ensure that Public Services are delivered UNISON says a big thank you!

In the words of our General Secretary, “In hospitals, care homes and police stations around the country, UNISON members will be working around the clock, serving our communities and our loved ones as they always do. You are the glue that holds our fractured communities together, especially at a time when cuts and austerity have caused such havoc and harm. So, whether you’re spending this festive period with family, or gritting our streets, travelling long distances to see loved ones or driving around your community caring for those who can’t care for themselves, I want to say thank you. Thank you for everything you do for all of us, now and every single day of the year.”

Jim Price, Branch Secretary for UNISON Worcestershire adds his Christmas wishes to those of our General Secretary. He said "We are grateful to all our members for their continued support. It has been a difficult year for Public Service workers and it seems that even more difficult times lie ahead. The Branch will continue to be unwavering in their support of our members. To those of you who will be working over the holidays we extend our grateful thanks and we wish all UNISON members everywhere a very happy Christmas.

Schools in England are facing average cuts of 8% per pupil by 2020

Real-terms cuts to school funding since 2015 have led to a big reduction in the number of secondary teachers, teaching assistants and support staff in England, says research published in February by the School Cuts alliance of education unions.

The situation is likely to get even worse, as it’s predicted that 17,942 (nine out of ten) primary and secondary schools in England and Wales will be hit by a real-terms cut in funding per pupil between 2015-19.

Jon Richards, Head of Education at UNISON, said: “Job cuts are disproportionately affecting teaching assistants and support staff in schools across England. As a result there is now a staggering one teaching assistant for 67 pupils in secondary schools. Children with special educational needs and disabilities rely heavily on teaching assistants, so sadly they’ll be suffering the most as a result of these devastating staff cuts.

“The education system is buckling under the weight of funding cuts, which are driving away staff who haven’t already lost their jobs, and jeopardising our children’s future.”

UNISON Worcestershire is aware of many schools where Teaching Assistants posts are being cut and those remaining TAs are being asked to work above and beyond their contracts in order to provide cover. If you are a TA experiencing these kind of problems get in touch with one of our Branch Case Workers for a chat, phone 01905 26186.