Forest School staff to strike over pay cut plans

Catering staff and cleaners at Forest School in Snaresbrook, Redbridge, are preparing to strike for five days next week. The action, scheduled from Monday 28 September to Friday 2 October, is in protest against proposed pay cuts of up to 13.5 per cent.

The 40 affected workers, employed by Compass Group UK & Ireland Limited, are members of the Unite union. Unite states that the proposed reductions follow the school's decision to change its catering and cleaning contract from a 52-week basis to term time only, meaning staff would be employed for 45 weeks of the year.

Concerns over low pay

Unite claims that many of the affected workers earn just above the minimum wage and do not receive the London Living Wage. The union has stated that these cuts would place significant financial pressure on workers, many of whom reside in London and Essex, amid rising living costs and rents.

Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary, described the situation as a private school prioritising profits over its lowest-paid workers. She stated, "Unite will never stand for our members having a pay cut. They are being treated disgracefully and have our full support during this dispute."

Forest School has cited the introduction of VAT on private school fees as a contributing financial pressure. However, according to figures provided by Unite, fees at the school are £10,898 per term for senior pupils and £8,165 for reception children, including VAT. The union also highlighted Charity Commission figures showing Forest School's total annual income was £39,009,294 for the financial year ending 31 August 2025. Unite also reported that the school's headteacher earns at least £300,000 annually.

Call for recognition

In addition to the pay dispute, the workers are seeking formal recognition of Unite for collective bargaining purposes. The union reported a significant increase in membership among the affected staff in the three months since the proposed pay cuts were announced.

Daniel Hoggan, Unite regional officer, commented on the school's financial position. He said, "The school 'pleads poverty' while charging thousands of pounds per term and paying senior staff substantial salaries. Expecting workers who are on already low wages to take such a substantial pay cut is completely unfair and the school needs to think again."

Unite acknowledged that parents might be concerned about potential disruption but attributed the dispute directly to Forest School's actions.