School support staff across a multi-academy trust in Staffordshire have launched another round of industrial action as a dispute over proposed contract changes and pay reductions intensifies. Members of the National Education Union (NEU) claim the planned reforms could reduce some employees’ salaries by as much as 22%, prompting renewed calls for pay protection and fair job evaluations.
The latest strike action, taking place over three consecutive days, follows an earlier walkout in June and reflects what union representatives describe as limited progress in negotiations with the Codsall Multi-Academy Trust. The dispute has placed a spotlight on the growing financial pressures facing schools across England and the challenges of maintaining educational support services while balancing increasingly constrained budgets.
The Codsall Multi-Academy Trust operates three schools in south Staffordshire: St Nicholas CE First School, Birches First School and Codsall Middle School. The proposed contractual changes primarily affect teaching assistants and other support staff, many of whom work directly with pupils requiring additional educational support and specialist care.
According to the National Education Union, the restructuring plans would require some employees to continue performing the same duties while receiving significantly lower pay. The union argues that such changes undervalue the essential role support staff play in delivering inclusive education and maintaining high standards of classroom assistance.
Union representatives say the industrial action reflects widespread frustration among employees who have faced months of uncertainty regarding their future employment conditions. Many staff members reportedly fear that reduced salaries could place considerable strain on household finances during an already challenging economic period marked by rising living costs and inflationary pressures.
One employee, speaking through the union, described the emotional toll of the dispute, explaining that prolonged uncertainty has created anxiety about the ability to continue supporting their family financially. The worker said concerns over future income have become a constant source of stress while discussions between the trust and union representatives continue.
Rebecca Cann, Staffordshire branch secretary of the National Education Union, said the dispute highlights a broader funding crisis affecting schools across the country. She argued that many academy trusts are operating under significant financial constraints, resulting in restructures and redundancy programmes that disproportionately impact teaching assistants and support workers.
Cann emphasised that these employees often work most closely with children who have additional learning needs and require personalised support throughout the school day. She said many staff members feel their contribution to pupils’ education is being overlooked through proposals that could substantially reduce their earnings despite maintaining the same responsibilities.
The union continues to call for stronger pay protection measures and a comprehensive job evaluation process that accurately reflects the responsibilities carried out by support staff. It maintains that fair remuneration is essential not only for employee wellbeing but also for maintaining the quality of educational support available to pupils.
The Codsall Multi-Academy Trust has acknowledged the strength of feeling among affected employees while stressing that the proposed measures are being considered in response to significant financial pressures facing the organisation. Trust leaders say the decisions have not been taken lightly and are intended to secure the long-term sustainability of the schools under their management.
In a statement, the trust said it respects the right of staff to participate in lawful industrial action and recognises that the proposed contractual changes may have financial consequences for some employees. It added that extensive consultation has taken place with staff members and recognised trade unions throughout the review process.
The trust also highlighted that it has introduced a three-year transitional pay protection arrangement designed to help ease the financial impact on affected colleagues. Officials said they remain committed to constructive dialogue with union representatives and continue to seek solutions that balance staff concerns with the financial realities facing the education sector.
Despite the ongoing dispute, the trust has pledged to minimise disruption for pupils and their families while maintaining normal school operations wherever possible. Management has reiterated its willingness to continue negotiations in the hope of reaching an agreement acceptable to both parties.
The industrial action reflects wider concerns across England’s education system, where school leaders and unions have repeatedly warned that funding challenges are placing increasing pressure on staffing structures and support services. Teaching assistants and support staff have become central figures in debates over resource allocation, particularly as schools strive to meet the growing needs of pupils requiring additional educational assistance.
As strike action continues, both the National Education Union and the Codsall Multi-Academy Trust have indicated that discussions remain ongoing. The outcome of the negotiations is expected to be closely watched by education professionals, unions and academy trusts nationwide, as similar financial pressures continue to shape employment practices across the UK school sector.