| SPOTLIGHT |
National Education Union (NEU) members of Wirral Council's SEND team have begun a three-week strike over workload and pay.
Council staff who walked out yesterday (16 October) have hit out at the local authority over proposed pay cuts and “unmanageable” workloads – urging it to engage in “meaningful dialogue” to resolve disputes.
The council said it had “fully engaged” with the unions and sought to address concerns raised.
It added that it was in the process of implementing a restructure within the team, designed to address many issues that are affecting SEND services.
According to the BBC, further walk outs are planned for 22, 24, 29, 30 and 31 October.
NEU regional officer Bora Oktas said: “Our Union and its membership stand in full support of the Wirral Council SEND Team as they take this necessary action. The decision to strike is never taken lightly, but the ongoing issues affecting our members and the children they support must be addressed.
“We urge the council to engage in meaningful dialogue to resolve these disputes and ensure that the needs of both staff and students are met. Our members are dedicated professionals who deserve fair treatment and adequate resources to perform their vital roles effectively.”
A Wirral Council spokesperson said: “Wirral Council is committed to putting children and families first as we continue to improve our SEND provision. We are in the process of implementing a restructure within our SEND team that is designed to address many of the issues that are affecting SEND services nationally at this time, not just in Wirral.
“The restructure is part of additional investment in SEND services by Wirral Council - £1.1m this year and £2.8m next year - to improve the support offered to young people and their families and includes recruitment of additional staff.”
The spokesperson added: “This action is being taken by one union, with a small membership within the workforce, and the dispute is due to them seeking a further assurance over pay protection for staff affected by the restructure. There has been agreement reached with UNISON.
“We are confident that any impact on families being supported with SEND services across Wirral will be minimal.”
Lottie Winson
