Moray Council: Proposed cuts to office jobs at schools and nurseries 'will hit low-paid women'
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Moray Council is being accused of picking on low-paid workers in an attempt to cut costs.
Unison has criticised the local authority’s ongoing review of administrative support in primary schools and nurseries
The public service union has expressed concern that jobs – mainly carried out by women – are going to be downgraded.
Details are yet to be finalised, but the proposed changes are thought to include a reduction in hours for some staff, as well as centralising parts of the service.
However the union is worried that workloads will not be reduced.
It is also questioning how the proposals will save much money when the only jobs not at risk are those at higher pay grades.
In addition, it cites fears that office staff in secondary schools could be next at risk, with teachers left to pick up admin duties.
Karen Donaldson, branch secretary of Unison Moray, said: "Yet again we see Moray Council trying to make up for their financial pressures by taking from the purses of low-paid staff, many of whom are women who already suffer due to the pay gap.
"This affects entire families, and is causing great anxiety amongst staff who continue to work tirelessly for our school communities.
"We have urged Moray Council to rethink their plans, and have already asked a number of questions to clarify their proposals, most of which so far remain unanswered."
Unison is calling on parents and anyone else who has concerns about the proposals to raise them with their local councillors.
It is also asking teaching unions to come on board and show support for their colleagues.
Cuts have been made previously to education catering services and school crossing patrollers.
The review of the school and nursery administrative service is part of Moray Council’s change management plan to improve efficiency.
A spokesperson said: "A consultation exercise is currently underway with staff who would be impacted by proposed changes to administrative provision within early learning and childcare settings and primary schools across Moray.
"It would not be appropriate for us to comment further during these consultations."
The council has to find £20million in savings over the next two years to balance the budget.
In 2021 the gender pay gap in Moray was 22.6%. At that time the national figure was 11.5%.
