Labour promises year-round pay for school support staff

Welsh Labour has announced plans to introduce year-round salaries for thousands of school support workers across Wales if the party forms the next government following May’s Senedd election.

First Minister Eluned Morgan unveiled the manifesto commitment at the Unison union’s Labour Link conference in Cardiff today, promising to transform pay conditions for teaching assistants, cooks, cleaners, caretakers and administrative staff through a new School Support Staff Negotiating Body enshrined in law.

The move would also expand training opportunities for these essential workers, who currently represent some of the lowest-paid employees in public service.

Addressing the conference, the First Minister said: “Our school support staff – teaching assistants, administrative staff, caretakers, lunchtime supervisors – the people who keep our schools running, support our children, and make inclusive education possible. They are the backbone of our education system.

“Yet for far too long, too many of them have been among the lowest-paid workers in public service. Too many are not paid year-round. Too many miss out on training and professional development. Too many feel undervalued despite the responsibility they carry every single day.

“That is not fair. And it is not right. Under Welsh Labour, that will change.”

The announcement marks Labour’s second major policy pledge this year, following their commitment to cap single bus fares at £2 across Wales.

However, the party faces an uphill battle ahead of May’s election, with the latest ITV Cymru Wales opinion poll placing them in fourth position at just 10% – their lowest rating on record. Plaid Cymru leads the field at 37%, followed by Reform UK at 23% and the Green Party making history in third place at 13%.

Welsh Conservative leader Darren Millar MS responded: “Labour and Plaid budget deals have broken the Welsh education system leaving school staff overworked and underpaid for far too long.

“International league tables have shown that Wales has the worst education system in the UK and 1 in 5 children leave Welsh schools functionally illiterate.

“We need to restore discipline and respect, stop wasting millions on more politicians, and invest in the education of the next generation. Including fair pay for school staff.”

Plaid Cymru questioned the timing of the announcement, stating: “After 27 years, Labour have presided over little more than managed decline in our schools. Why wasn’t this done before, and what will be cut to pay for it now?”

“A Plaid Cymru government will be committed to improved working conditions in our schools – tackling the root causes of behavioural challenges, and improving mental health and well-being for staff and students. We will work with unions, local authorities and school management to deliver on this.

“We will promote excellence in school catering, in particular, and make it a more attractive career option, as part of a wider approach on improving food education and the quality of food served in schools.”