Unite has called for a pay revaluation for Special Needs Learning Support Assistants

A statement continued:

“Unite the Union, representing Special Needs Learning Support Assistants (SNLSAs) across all schools, submitted a claim 23rd May 2023 for a re-evaluation of the current pay structure on behalf of our members, who are at the forefront of providing critical support for students. 

“The claim highlights the increasing complexity and demands of the role, which have significantly evolved in recent years. SNLSAs provide essential assistance to some of the most vulnerable students in our education system, ensuring access to learning and supporting both academic and emotional development. Unite the Union, is calling for a pay scale adjustment that reflects the challenging, and essential nature of our members’ work and rewarding the years of invaluable experience many SNLSAs have.”

Bochra Lasfar, Regional Officer for Unite the Union, said: “Special Needs Learning Support Assistants are the unsung heroes of our education system. They play a pivotal role in enabling students with additional needs to thrive. Our members feel undervalued and underpaid despite the crucial role they play. The time has come to ensure their salaries reflect the vital contribution they make every day to the lives of these students.” 

A statement continued: “Unite the union, has been highlighting the issues faced by SNLSAs to the Department of Education and HMGOG, engaging with them to find an acceptable resolution to the claim. 

“However, we have been met with continuous delays that have caused members’ morale to be at an all-time low. The proposal finally put forward by HMGOG has left SNLSA feeling even more undervalued. 

“Our members are fully committed to their students and despite many setbacks they want to avoid industrial action and the disruption this would bring at all costs, with this in mind, we will be holding a demonstration on Tuesday 11th February at 4 p.m. in support of SNLSAs. 

“The demonstration will begin in Casemates and end at No. 6 Convent place, we invite all members of the public to come and support SNLSAs the same as they support our children.”