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Low pay forcing school support staff out of ‘job they love’

A quarter of school support staff have taken on second, or even third jobs, to make ends meet, findings from a survey by Unison suggests, with the union warning of an exodus from the sector.
Many teaching assistants are actively seeking other jobs because of low pay, according to Unison PHOTO Adobe Stock
Many teaching assistants are actively seeking other jobs because of low pay, according to Unison PHOTO Adobe Stock

More than 4 in 10 (42 per cent) of teaching assistants, caretakers, cleaners, and other school support staff, are currently looking for other better-paid jobs due to low pay and the rising cost of living.

The findings reveal an overwhelming majority (96 per cent) say the rate of pay for their school job isn’t enough for them to cope with rising costs. Three in ten (31 per cent) say they only take home between £1,000 and £1,199 each month. A similar proportion earn less than £1,000 a month. 

More than two thirds of survey respondents (71 per cent) were worried about paying utility bills and council tax, with just under half (47 per cent) worried about paying the mortgage or rent.

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