NEU Industrial Action Update - 13th September

Dear parents and carers,

I am sorry to be writing again about the NEU’s industrial action, but it is important that we keep you updated on developments.

Whilst we were all deeply disappointed by the strike action on Wednesday this week, our arrangements for Years 7, 11 and 13 to be in school with all other year groups working at home, all went very smoothly. This is all down to the staff that were in school as normal and I’d like to put on record my thanks to them.

As you know from my previous letters, the single issue of the dispute is the NEU’s concern that staff terms and conditions would not be protected once Swanshurst became an academy. You will also know that we have repeatedly provided reassurances that this is not the case. In total, we have now made assurances a total of seven times to confirm that terms and conditions will be protected. We had also proposed pausing the process to allow more time for discussion and engagement.

Sadly, and despite our best efforts, the NEU appear to be determined to continue with their action. They are currently proposing ten further dates for strike action:

• Friday 20 September
• Wednesday 25 September
• Monday 30 September
• Thursday 3 October
• Tuesday 8 October
• Wednesday 9 October
• Thursday 17 October
• Friday 18 October
• Monday 21 October
• Tuesday 22 October

Given the NEU’s refusal to accept our clear and demonstrable assurances on the protection of staff terms and conditions, the governors of Swanshurst have also made the decision this week to lift the conditional pause that had been put into place, meaning that our work to convert to become an academy has now resumed.

We will, of course, keep trying to engage with the NEU, including through the continued use of ACAS to mediate the dispute and find a resolution, so that we can avert any disruption to your child’s education. We remain hopeful that the NEU will accept our assurances – for our part we will continue to repeat these.

However, should these dates go ahead, we will continue with the approach from this week, with as many year groups as possible coming into school as normal, and the remaining year groups working from home. We will provide an updated plan for that early next week.

Thank you again for your understanding. We will continue to keep you updated on any developments but do please reach out if you have any questions in the meantime.

Yours sincerely,
 

Mr M Dunn

Head Teacher

Swanshurst School