Commenting on the passing of motion 43, Daniel Kebede, General Secretary of the National Education Union, said:
“Independent sector employers need to do far better by support staff, who are the backbone of every school.
“Support staff pay in independent schools does not reflect their essential contribution. The cost-of-living crisis has further eroded living standards.
“One in five support staff members who work in independent schools tell us they receive no cost-of-living increase for the academic year 2023/2024. Many are forced to take on additional work to make ends meet.
“The NEU says to employers, don’t just pay lip service. Show that you value support staff by reviewing and increasing their pay.
“The National Education Union is a modern trade union. We don’t divide and separate by role or grade. We organise by workplace. We stand as one.
“When teachers and support staff stand together, our power multiplies.
“If employers won’t do right by their support staff, then the NEU will use our strength to organise and campaign for support staff in the independent sector.”