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UK School Staff Lose £2.2 Billion to Unfair Contracts

2/28/2026

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Summary

Story summary

In the United Kingdom, school support staff lost £2.2 billion in earnings last year due to term-time-only contracts, and they could earn up to £4,094 more annually if paid year-round, according to GMB.
Stacey Booth, national officer of the GMB union, criticized term-time-only contracts as unfair to support staff.
Unions seek at least £3,000 or 10% for 2026/27, and the government plans a dedicated negotiating body by 2027/28.

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Story summary

In the United Kingdom, school support staff lost £2.2 billion in earnings last year due to term-time-only contracts, and they could earn up to £4,094 more annually if paid year-round, according to GMB.
Stacey Booth, national officer of the GMB union, criticized term-time-only contracts as unfair to support staff.
Unions seek at least £3,000 or 10% for 2026/27, and the government plans a dedicated negotiating body by 2027/28.