Unions demand raises for school support staff after pay shortfall revealed

LocalPolitics
28 Feb 2026 • 10:44 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

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  • School support staff across the UK missed out on over £2.2 billion in potential earnings last year due to being paid solely during term time.
  • Research by the GMB union revealed that individual staff could lose up to £4,094 annually by not receiving pay for a full 52 weeks instead of 44.
  • This collective shortfall for approximately 800,000 workers on term-time contracts amounted to £2.2 billion for the 2024/25 period.
  • Unions, including GMB, Unison and Unite, are calling for school and council workers to receive a pay rise of at least £3,000 or 10 per cent for 2026/27, along with a minimum hourly rate of £15.
  • The GMB union has confirmed that the National Joint Council has agreed to meet with unions this month to discuss wages.

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