Changes to Admin Staff in Secondary Schools - Why not listen to trade unions?

On Monday at the Education Committee the only item on the agenda was a report on the Review of Support Staff in Secondary Schools.  This document outlines plans to change the roles of administrative staff in secondary schools.  The meeting heard from a deputation from UNISON which outlined the concerns of their members.  I have also spoken to members of the GMB about their concerns about these proposals, their view was that there has been no effective consultation with staff or trade unions.  I am also unconvinced with the rational behind the plans which will mean cutting staff from Harris Academy for example.

It was for these reasons that my colleague Laurie Bidwell put forward a very modest proposal to postpone the decision on this issue.  At the Education Committee there are some non-councillor members who can vote including teacher and church representatives.  This meant that the result of the vote was 16-16, the policy was then voted through on the casting vote of Cllr Stewart Hunter.  It was a shame that the SNP Group were the only people on the council who were unwilling or unable to listen to the views of trade unions.