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GMB begins battle to stop privatisation at 79 schools

Public money meant for schools would be siphoned off to private shareholders unless the plans are stopped

General union GMB launched a campaign yesterday to oppose mass privatisation of support services at 79 schools across England that would affect 525 staff.

The union is fighting the unprecedented plans by the largest academy chain in the country, the Academies Enterprise Trust (AET), to form a new joint venture company with a private provider.

It would be responsible for all school support services in the 79 schools.

Public money meant for schools would be siphoned off to private shareholders unless the plans are stopped.

All staff excluding teachers, school leaders and, for the time being, teaching assistants are affected and would transfer to the employment of the joint venture, the union warned.

GMB national officer for school support staff Avril Chambers said: "AET is going ahead with this plan despite the government's claims that they would not allow profits to be made from education.

"AET is looking to privatise every part of the running of their schools apart from teaching. Under the plans 525 support staff currently employed by AET would be transferred to the private joint venture.

"Head teachers, governors and the community will lose control of vital operational decisions and staff, as the private sector prioritises the academies' operations towards making profit rather than education."

She warned that the plans would set a precedent for the academy sector if they are allowed to go ahead, with standards suffering and staff pay and conditions driven down.

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