School support staff at 22 primary schools in Merton have voted to strike for one day – on Friday 1 May – because of a pay dispute affecting several outer London boroughs.

The council values and recognises the vital contribution support staff make to children’s education and wellbeing. Every day, they play a crucial role in helping schools run effectively, from supporting teaching and learning in the classroom to providing pastoral care, safeguarding, and essential operational support.

However, the council is deeply disappointed that staff have voted to take strike action, in both Merton and Greenwich, organised by the GMB union.

The council is urging the GMB to cancel this avoidable action – which will impact children, families and other school staff – and instead take up the offer of mediation with the council.

The council will be working closely with the schools affected to help them minimise any disruption the strike may cause. Parents will hear directly from headteachers about any closures or alternative arrangements.

The GMB wants the council to increase support staff pay in line with staff in inner London boroughs using the council’s general fund. However, this is not legal. And there are no alternative sustainable solutions without national government intervention.

The GMB knows this, that’s why the council has been engaging with the union for more a year to try to find a conciliatory way forward.

School support staff pay in council-run schools is set nationally, not by the council. It is governed by the National Joint Council. This is a national collective, and pay agreements are negotiated with recognised trade unions, including the GMB.

The council recognises the pay disparity. As does the national government – that’s why the Schools Staff Negotiating Body (SSNB) is being set up to address it. The first outcome from the negotiating body is expected in 2027-28.

The council will be taking a case to SSNB, once it is fully set up, in support of inner and outer London support staff pay parity.

Which schools are affected? 

Council is seeking confirmation from GMB, of the schools affected, at which point these will be made public.

Why are school support staff striking?
The strike is about differences in pay between school support staff working in outer London boroughs, like Merton, and those working in inner London boroughs.

This is an issue affecting several London councils and cannot be resolved at a local level alone.

Will my child’s school be closed?
Not necessarily. Some schools will remain fully open, while others may need to partially close or close to some year groups.

Headteachers will make decisions based on staffing levels and safety. You will be informed directly by your child’s school.

How will I know what is happening at my child’s school?
Schools will contact parents and carers directly with the latest information, including any changes to opening, closures or alternative arrangements.

Please check emails, texts and school communication apps regularly.

Why can’t the council just increase pay?
Pay for school support staff is set nationally, not by the council.

Schools are funded through a protected budget (the Dedicated Schools Grant), and the council is not legally allowed to use its main budget to increase school staff pay.

What is being done to resolve the issue?
The council has been in discussions with the GMB union for over a year.

At a national level, the government has set up the Schools Staff Negotiating Body (SSNB) to look at support staff pay. This is expected to lead to changes from 2027-28.

What support is the council giving schools?
The council is working closely with affected schools and providing:

• Advice on whether to remain open or partially close
• Guidance on staffing and safe operation
• Safeguarding and SEND support for vulnerable pupils

Your school will confirm arrangements directly.

What should I do if my child cannot attend school?
If your child’s school is closed or partially closed, the absence will be authorised.

Will there be more strikes?
At this stage, only one day of strike action has been announced.

Any further action would depend on ongoing discussions between the union and the council.

Who can I contact if I have questions?
Your first point of contact should be your child’s school.