School Support Staff Negotiating Body Reinstated

The School Support Staff Negotiating Body (SSSNB), which was abolished in 2010 by the previous government is to be reinstated following legislation to re-establish the body through the Employment Rights Bill introduced in Parliament on 10th October.  

The Bill will now pass through the legislative process. As part of this, the government will consult on the detail of the legislation, including the right definition of support staff.

The SSSNB will be made up of representatives of employers, unions and an independent chairperson and will be tasked with making sure support staff are paid fairly and have access to training and career progression opportunities. To ensure all school staff have access to fair pay and conditions the SSSNB will apply to support staff in both local authority maintained schools and academies.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson is reported as having said: “Support staff make up over half the workforce and our schools would grind to a halt without our brilliant teaching assistants, catering staff, caretakers and many more vital roles.

They make a huge contribution to children’s education and the smooth running of our schools. By reinstating the School Support Staff Negotiating Body (SSSNB) we will make sure they are properly valued and respected as the professionals they are, supporting our work to drive high and rising standards so every child has the best life chances.”