Tower Hamlets school scraps plans to downgrade jobs following strike threat

A Tower Hamlets primary school has scrapped plans that would have seen support staff pay slashed by thousands of pounds.

Sir William Borrough Primary School, which is part of the University Schools Trust, had proposed downgrading some roles from grade 5 to grade 3, which would have equated to a loss of up to £7,500 per year for nursery nurses and up to £2,500 a year for learning support assistants.

The school has now confirmed the restructuring exercise will not go ahead, after GMB members raised concerns about the detrimental impact on staff and salaries.

Staff were prepared to take industrial action over the voted 88 per cent in favour of going out on strike.

A GMB member working at Sir William Borrough Primary School said:

"I firmly believe that we achieved this outcome because we stood together, supported one another, and faced the challenges as a united workforce.

"Our collective strength, alongside the unwavering support of our union, made all the difference.

"My message to all school support staff and teachers is simple: stay united and never be afraid to stand up for your rights."

Jasmin Deans, GMB Regional Organiser, said:

“This is a huge win for our members.

"It shows what happens when workers stand together to defend their jobs.

"Our members knew what they were worth and refused to accept an unjustifiable cut in their salaries."