Message from UNISON

Ofsted workers strike over pay

(16/05/08) One thousand Ofsted workers have walked out today in a dispute over pay, halting inspections of childcare services across England.They are protesting against the imposition of a divisive new pay structure, which will mean cuts for many workers, and a below-inflation pay offer – pushed through by Ofsted despite being overwhelmingly rejected by members of UNISON and PCS.

"This small but significant group of staff works hard to protect the safety of some of the most vulnerable children in our society," said UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis, describing the treatment meted out by Ofsted as "appalling"."They are piling on the work but forcing three-year pay freezes onto some staff." This when inflation is running at more than 4% and even the government's preferred measure jumped to 3% this week."

Our members are demanding a fair deal to cope with the spiralling costs of essentials such as fuel, food and housing," he said. "This strike sends a clear message to Ofsted that we are prepared to take action in our fight for fair pay. What we need now are some serious proposals to avert further action."Today's strike will see rallies held in Manchester and London, and picket lines at offices in London, Manchester, Nottingham and Bristol.

A wave of action short of strike will follow. Members will work their contracted hours only from Monday until the end of the month, along with a ban on overtime.Earlier this week UNISON and PCS warned that extending the dispute would affect planned Ofsted reforms.Calling for a swift resolution, national officer Helga Pile said staff were already under intense pressure."This will only increase as the employers demand large-scale changes in social care and early years inspections," she said, asking: "How will these reforms be possible when staff are disappointed and angry and morale is at an all-time low?"The Treasury and Ofsted employers must realise that a top class inspection service cannot be run on an insufficient budget," she added."If they want to ensure the safety of every baby in nursery, every child in care and each teenager in boarding school then they need to fund the inspections system properly."