School support staff have warned they will quit their jobs if Welsh government plans to shake-up the school year go ahead. The Welsh government is consulting on proposals to change the school year dates by cutting the six week summer holiday and having longer breaks at other times.
But a survey of 3,000 school support staff by public workers’ union Unison Cymru/Wales, showed more than one in four would leave if the changes are made. They said they want ministers to prioritise dealing with staff shortages, low pay and increased workloads instead.
The survey found 27% said they would consider looking for a different job if the summer holiday was reduced in schools in Wales. Half of the support staff (50%) who have a second job in the summer said it would be harder to find other employment if the six week holiday was cut. The survey comes after all teaching unions in Wales wrote to Education Minister Jeremy Miles opposing the plans.
The six week summer holiday would be cut to five or four weeks under Welsh Government proposals out for consultation, which ends on February 12. If they go ahead school year dates in Wales will change as early as October 2025.
