Jobs at Tower Hamlets primary school at risk due to 'fire and rehire' proposal

Bonner Primary School’s plans will see 11 staff members lose their jobs, while remaining staff will be expected to do more work for the same pay

GMB Union has slammed proposals that will see 20 Midday Meals Supervisors at Bonner Primary School in Tower Hamlets put at risk of redundancy in a ‘fire and rehire’ style restructure.

The proposals will see 11 Midday Meals Supervisors lose their jobs altogether, while 9 others will be rehired in new Playworker roles.

The new Playworker roles will be on the same pay as Midday Meals Supervisors but with more responsibilities.

Teaching Assistants will also be expected to take on additional work to cover the 11 job losses, covering playtime and dining hall activities.

GMB has raised concerns about the job losses, worse terms and conditions for staff, and the impact on the health and safety of children.

A petition opposing the plans has already gained over 300 signatures.

Jasmin Deans, GMB Regional Organiser, said:

“These fire and rehire proposals are a disgrace, forcing staff to take on more responsibilities for the same pay.

“Reducing the lunchtime staffing team will have significant effects on the workload of the new Playworkers and for Teaching Assistants.

“This is not to mention that 11 people will be losing their jobs and their livelihoods.

“We are urging the school to think twice about the welfare of both staff and pupils and scrap these brutal proposals.”