The Minister said: “We spoke about the dispute and our respective understanding of the revised offer of 28 September. I listened to their concerns and I told them that I believed this dispute has gone on too long.
“My priority is to ensure classroom assistants receive the money they are entitled to as quickly as possible. This needs to be settled as soon as possible to avoid further disruption to the education of our children. A substantially increased offer has been made and I have announced a review of support staff in schools.
“I emphasised that no classroom assistant will lose any pay and no-one will be forced to work longer hours. In addition, there will be full salary and pension protection. I repeated my belief that all unions should consider this offer.”
Notes to Editors:
- Media queries to the Department of Education Press Office on 028 9127 9356/07867 528 140.
- Out of office hours, please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07669 715 440 and your call will be returned.
