Strike begins at St. Anne’s School and Sixth Form in Hessle

The first of twelve days of strike action at an East Yorkshire school that teaches children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) has begun.

At St Anne’s School and Sixth Form College in Hessle, teaching assistants who are members of the National Education Union (NEU) have walked off the job due to a dispute over pay.

Strike action also occurred in April when workers claimed that changes in the new pay system did not cover additional duties.

Talks took place last week between the NEU and the East Riding of Yorkshire Council (ERYC), but no agreement was reached.

The current round of strikes is scheduled to last until Friday, before further actions take place on July 8, 9, 10, 11, 15, 16, 17 and 18.

Merlin Joseph, head of the council’s childcare department, said the new structure was part of a community-wide programme involving all schools in the area.

She said: “We cannot meet the NEU’s request for some school staff as this would result in an unequal pay structure within the local authority and at other schools.”

“The welfare of staff and children is our priority and we have urged NEU to reconsider its strike action.”

They had previously stated that the situation had “lasted too long” and said it would “have a negative impact on children who need routine the most”.

Steve Scott, NEU regional organiser, said he was “really sorry” about the industrial action.

He added: “My members are angry that they had to strike, but they are doing it to protect the education of the students.”

“We hope this will also ensure that employees are trained and have the right qualifications to perform their roles.”