AS the school holidays continue, I would like to draw attention to the plight of low-paid non-teaching staff in schools, colleges and universities.
Many clerical workers, classroom assistants, technicians and catering staff are employed on "term time" only contracts, which unlike teachers, do not include payments for holiday periods.
It was possible for them to claim Unemployment Benefit during the school holidays, but with the advent of the Job Seekers' Allowance the New Labour Government has changed the rules to prevent such claims. Thus thousands of low paid workers suffer a major cut in income at this time of year.
UNISON is backing an appeal to the House of Lords in the hope of overturning the ruling and restoring much-needed money to these people.
Roger Bannister,
UNISON National Executive Council (Personal Capacity),
Kirkby?
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