Support staff doing unpaid overtime most weeks
TEACHING assistants, auxiliary nurses, police community officers and other public services support staff are putting in millions of hours of unpaid overtime, according to research.
Unison said its study showed the impact of years of job cuts, which had led to “intolerable pressures” across the public sector.
A survey of almost 1,000 workers in the NHS, education, local government, police and other areas found more than two out of five are doing unpaid overtime most weeks.
Some said they were taking on work of colleagues who had been made redundant, and were working beyond their pay grade.
Four out of five were working harder than a year ago, but a third believed they were much less productive because of cutbacks.
The union said workers felt demoralised as a result of austerity, adding that morale was at “rock bottom”.
Unison said cuts had been disproportionately targeted at support staff.
General secretary Dave Prentis added: “Support staff such as healthcare assistants and catering workers are among the lowest paid in public services.
“All too often they’re overlooked by politicians, despite the vital jobs they do. It’s no wonder they feel overworked and undervalued.
“Many are facing intolerable pressures because of cutbacks, which have triggered staff shortages.
“The Government must commit to funding the jobs needed to guarantee safe, high quality services.
“A failure to act will undermine standards further and weaken public confidence further still.”
Last month, it was announced that nurses, midwives and paramedics in Scotland are to receive a minimum pay rise of nine per cent over three years after a new pay deal was accepted.
The deal, for those who earn under £80,000 a year, is linked to terms and conditions reforms.
Members of the GMB union voted to reject the deal, but it was overwhelmingly backed by other trade unions.
At the time, Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said it was the UK’S “highest health uplift”.
She added: “This rise, which is linked to a commitment to reform some terms and conditions, will be up to 27% for some staff.
“This pay rise can help recruitment and retention and ensure our NHS remains an attractive employment option for many.”