Schools & Academies in England, Member Update – 20th May 2021
Dear Member
We hope this finds you safe and well.
As you are probably aware, the DfE from the 17th May is no longer recommending for face coverings to be worn by staff or pupils in classrooms. Although face coverings are not PPE and do not protect the wearer, they do still play an essential role in reducing the transmission of Covid-19. GMB London has produced a quick guide for you on what the policy on face coverings is and how it has changed, the position of GMB and what you should expect from your employer. Please click here to read our Face Coverings Guide for Schools and Academies.
On 7th May, GMB London was advised that the National Employer for Local Government has made an initial offer of 1.5%. Obviously, this is significantly less than the pay claim submitted by the Joint Trade Unions and therefore GMB along with the Joint Trade Unions following meetings with their respective national shop stewards committees will be seeking further meetings and negotiations with the National Employer to try to increase this initial offer.
Once a final offer is received, GMB will be consulting all members in Schools and Academies, whose terms and conditions are governed by the NJC, and asking members to take part in a consultative ballot to ensure you have your say on your pay. Please keep an eye out for emails from us as we will be contacting you again with any updates.
Thank you to all those who got in touch recently asking for GMB to arrange a visit to your schools. We are currently contacting Head Teachers to make arrangements to visit and look forward to seeing you soon. If you have any colleagues who are not in a Trade Union, they can join GMB online by visiting www.gmb.org.uk/join.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.
With kind regards
Lisa Bangs, GMB London Region Organiser
Keith Williams, GMB London Region Senior Organiser
