Union calls for end to Academy Bill

Released 30/06/2010

UNISON has called on Nick Clegg to halt Academy Bill

Nick Clegg should use his influence as deputy leader to put a stop to the Academy Bill, according to trade union UNISON.

The call follows the National Liberal Democrat Education Association expressing its opposition to the bill, along with local councillors, including the lead Liberal Democrat Councillor for Richmond-Upon-Thames, Cllr Malcolm Eady.

A UNISON and NASUWT survey, carried out before the election, showed that 96% of parents want a good local school, run by their local council. In contrast, only 3% of parents said they wanted their local school to be run by a private company.

UNISON head of education, Christina McAnea, said: "Cracks are appearing in the coalition over the government's plans for a raft of new academy schools in September.

"Liberal Democrats are joining six education unions in warning about the damaging effect of new academies opening their doors in the next school year. It is time for Nick Clegg to listen to parents, and to his own party, and use his influence to put the brakes on the Academies Bill.

"Academy schools threaten the budgets of local mainstream schools, they will hit the life and learning chances of SEN, vulnerable and disadvantaged children. They also have huge implications for staff working at schools. Pushing ahead with these plans without giving local people, parents and staff the chance to express their views, is a disgrace."

UNISON is campaigning against the Academies Bill.

See more news stories like this