Lincoln primary school staff join strike over proposed pay cuts

Support staff at a Lincoln primary school have taken strike action in a dispute over proposed changes to pay and staffing. Workers at St Hugh's Catholic Primary School in Lincoln were among those who walked out. The dispute involves proposals from Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Multi-Academy Trust which, according to UNISON, could leave some employees facing a cut of about 20% to their annual income, while others could be at risk of redundancy. Teaching assistants, administrators and chaplaincy staff were among those involved in the action linked to St Hugh's. The union says the proposed changes could also lead to heavier workloads for staff who remain in post. For families in Lincoln, the dispute has drawn attention to the role support staff play in school life. These workers help with classroom learning, administration and pastoral support, and are a visible part of the day-to-day running of a school. UNISON has argued that the proposals could affect more than staff pay, saying there may also be consequences for pupils if fewer support workers are available in school. The trust has said the plans form part of its response to financial pressure. In a statement, a spokesperson said the proposed reshaping of staffing arrangements would be subject to full consultation and that efforts would be made to find savings through voluntary options where possible. The spokesperson added that it is facing funding pressures that are putting strain on budgets. The trust said it recognises the situation will be unsettling for staff and that support will be provided during the consultation process. The Lincoln Post has not independently verified these claims. The issue is likely to be closely watched in Lincoln because it concerns staff who are often among the lower-paid members of the school workforce. Any reduction in support roles could have implications for both employees and the day-to-day experience of pupils at the school. At the centre of the dispute is the question of how schools can manage financial pressures without reducing the support available to children or increasing the burden on staff. In Lincoln, that debate is no longer abstract for the community around St Hugh's. Parents, workers and pupils connected to the school may all feel the effects of any eventual decision on staffing structures. While the trust has indicated that consultation is still part of the process, the strike action reflects the seriousness of concern among those opposing the proposals. The dispute has brought a local focus to the financial challenges facing schools in Lincoln and Lincolnshire. For St Hugh's and the wider Lincoln community, the outcome may shape how support services are delivered in the future, as well as the level of reassurance offered to staff worried about their pay and job security.