School dinners warning over strike action (From Bucks Free Press)

School dinners warning over strike action

3:49pm Thursday 17th April 2008

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SCHOOLS have been warned they face compensation claims from catering staff over next week's teachers strike.

Buckinghamshire heads have been told budgets could be hit by a loss of earnings' claim over the April 24 strike.

Just one county school - Ash Hill Primary in High Wycombe - has so far announced it will close.

More decisions are expected to be taken next week when staff return from half-term.

The memo, from Lorna Paxton, contracts officer for Buckinghamshire County Council, states: "If you have catering services being provided by a catering contractor, you may be faced with a compensation claim for loss of earnings on the day of the closure."

Contracts under the council's terms and conditions protect schools she says - but those under the caterer's terms and conditions places responsibility on schools.

The memo states: "It is important to check the contract terms to appraise what the situation will be if your school closes due to industrial action."

The National Union of Teachers has called the strike in protest at this year's 2.45 per cent pay offer from the Government.

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