School support staff at 22 schools in Merton are proceeding with strike action today- Friday 1 May – because of a pay dispute affecting several outer London boroughs.  

The council recognises that this group of workers has legitimate concerns about pay and attended mediated discussion with the GMB on Monday.  Merton made offers in good faith to the GMB. This included Merton playing a leading role, along the other six affected London boroughs, in bringing a case to the newly established Schools Staff Negotiating Body (SSNB) to set a nationally agreed solution to the issue.  

Unfortunately, and despite considerable effort on the side of council, those talks did not end with an agreement to suspend strike action. 

The GMB wants the council to increase support staff pay in line with staff in inner London boroughs using the council’s general fund. This is not something we can legally do; Merton cannot enter into local pay bargaining.  No council has the freedom to subsidise school budgets from its general fund, without permission from the Secretary of State.  To do so would be in breach of nationally set financial regulations.    

The council values and recognises the vital contribution support staff play 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. 

All schools affected by the strike have contacted parents directly to confirm arrangements for today. 

• More information for parents is available here.