To think that lots of TAs, LSAs and school administrators leave because of the money?

[Lulutheevilguineapig]

I'm in this situation atm and although I love my job, I'm seriously starting to look for something else.

I get why the money is poor; we get school holidays off. But I'd honestly prefer to work holidays and not take the hit to my salary. I know this is part and parcel of working in a school, but I just don't know how anyone who doesn't have maybe a wealthy partner or some other source of wealth can stay for long in the job.

And on another note, if you were a TA/LSA and left due to the money, what did you go on to do?

@RoseGardenSummer

You are incorrect, according to our school’s NEU representative.

The NEU definitely DO have pay bargaining and negotiating rights on behalf of support staff in schools.

Perhaps your info is out-of-date.

For those to receiving pittance is that losing a days pay isn’t that problematic. It can be made up with a nights babysitting if you get the right family. Certainly the change of earning more longer term is worth it especially if it saves you a days petrol.

@AlinaSquareQueen I'd advise any support staff members of the NEU to check that information carefully and not expect to be supported in pay bargaining by the NEU.

I've been in union meetings with senior officials this week in which this matter was discussed and have written confirmation.

@RoseGardenSummer

Fair enough. I’m happy to be proved wrong.

@RoseGardenSummer which union were you in meetings with?

@RoseGardenSummer how can I verify what you’re saying is what I’m asking. I’ve googled and can’t find this. I’d like to alert colleagues.

A quick google will show you that GMB, Unite and Unison are the only unions identified by the TUC agreement as having bargaining rights for school support staff.

OK thanks. I was just checking my understanding.

It’s disgusting, I work in a school and get the holidays but get paid more than TA’s.

We’re struggling to recruit, applicants either really young without great education or recent migrants wanting to improve their English.

Ex TA here now working in an admin job in Childrens Services

Completely agree with this, but people aren’t wanting to train to teach in enough numbers either.

TA here. And have recently been considering my options. Pay is crap especially with the cost of living. It's a shame because I absolutely love my job, but I don't know how long I can continue