17,000 food job losses if school lunch gets chop

THERESA May’s plan to scrap free school lunches will lead to more than 16,800 catering job losses, it was forecast last night.

Industry experts warned that 21per cent of the 80,000 school food workforce could lose their jobs if the Tories scrap free meals for children aged five to seven.

The policy would be devastating for local authority meal providers and contract caterers – and there would be further job losses and cuts to working hours for cooks and assistants in school kitchens.

The ill-thought out Tory policy will also raise further questions on why the Government spent £150 million of taxpayers’ money just three years ago on improving school kitchen facilities.

The Lead Association

For Catering (LACA) said removing universal free meals is a pledge that will hit children, families, schools and jobs.

LACA chair Sally Sedrick said it would have “an immensely damaging impact on the industry and thousands of families”.

Tim Roache of the GMB union, below, said: “It’s a scandal any government would even consider, quite literally, taking food from kids’ mouths – now jobs are at risk as well.”

Angela Rayner, Shadow Education Secretary, said: “Only Labour will give children and schools the

support they need.”