Blogs

Full sick pay is essential to Covid safety

Pay and conditions Support staff Trade unions Workload Coronavirus
Catering and cleaning staff in schools are more likely to catch Covid, but many do not receive access to full sick pay if they have to self-isolate. Jon Richards says this has to change


Teachers, leaders, governors and even academy trust boards are recognised as key to delivering education in schools.

But what about other staff, for instance those working in the background to keep your school clean or feed the pupils? How are they valued and what are the consequences?

Sadly, many schools have made clear how much they care by handing them over to private firms – mostly using the argument that these contractors will save them money.

Of course, the main way contracting companies achieve these “savings” and ensure that they make a profit is to offer their workers the lowest pay and cheapest conditions that they can get away with.

Register now, read forever

Thank you for visiting SecEd and reading some of our content for professionals in secondary education. Register now for free to get unlimited access to all content.

What's included:

  • Unlimited access to news, best practice articles and podcast

  • New content and e-bulletins delivered straight to your inbox every Monday and Thursday

Register

Already have an account? Sign in here