Academies Enterprise Trust to reconsider restructuring of London academies
GMB score small victory in fight against cutback proposals at Britain’s biggest academy trust
We still have a long way to go but perhaps Academies Enterprise Trust will now listen to staff, teachers and their own local school management teams to actually work in the best interests of the children, says GMB London
GMB have scored a small victory against cutbacks at Britain’s biggest academy chain, Academies Enterprise Trust, after the Trust informed staff that they intend to provide some financial information relating to the transformation plan and are reconsidering the restructuring of the London academies. [See notes to editors for previous GMB press release]
In a letter to staff, Academies Enterprise Trust said that they would be “looking again at the proposed restructures within our London academies” and that “the proposals previously communicated will not be proceeding.” The Trust also said they will now discuss any future proposals with local trade union representatives for each of the five London secondary academies.
Earlier this week GMB called on the Trust to provide financial documents that justify their proposals of cutbacks and restructuring. GMB and other unions representing staff at Academies Enterprise Trust have previously failed to agree on the proposals with the Trust and triggered talks at ACAS over issues such as the Chief Executive’s total remuneration for the year to the 31st August being between £290,000 and £295,000, despite just 52% of eligible teachers achieving pay progression, the outsourcing of ICT against the wishes of schools, and the Trust’s refusal to let the unions and schools have full details of the recent bailout it had from the Education and Skills Funding Agency.
The unions have also launched a survey asking employees if they have confidence in the Trust’s leadership.
Gordon White, GMB Regional Organiser said:
“We are delighted that Academies Enterprise Trust are showing some signs of listening to sense. We will be more than happy to work with the London academies to ensure that any changes are properly considered and justified.
“This is a fine example of the joint trade unions working for their members, sending clear unified voice against nonsensical profit driven changes.
“We still have a long way to go but perhaps Academies Enterprise Trust will now listen to staff, teachers and their own local school management teams to actually work in the best interests of the children.”
ENDS
Contact: Gordon White 020 8457 4137 or GMB London Press Office 07970 114 762
Notes to Editors
Previous GMB Press Release
GMB call on Academies Enterprise Trust to provide financial justification for cutback proposals (14 May 2019)
https://www.gmblondon.org.uk/news/academies-enterprise-trust-cutback-proposals
