Cllr Ferguson accuses Education Authority of "showing they would rather cut much needed support than truly try and help children"

Education Welfare Officers should not have their roles “dismissed and reviewed” says Cllr Rachael Ferguson.

The Alliance Party Councillor, who represents the Faughan ward, addressed a protest in Derry's Peace Garden organised by trade union, the Northern Ireland Public Service Alliance (NIPSA).

The union are nearing the end of a 16-day strike over fair pay and conditions for Education Welfare Officers.

Cllr Ferguson insists that the role that officers have play in society should not be ignored and reminded the Education Authority of what everyone stands to lose if that role is gone forever.

“Education Welfare Officers play a hugely important role in the education of children and young people”, she said.

“We currently have 1200 children and young people waiting support from Education Welfare Officers.

“This waiting list shows the importance of this role, which is instrumental in ensuring that attendance levels improve and works with families to ensure they have the tools and support to do this.

“This role helps stop families having to go down the judicial route when they are struggling”, said Cllr Ferguson.

“It offers compassion and empathy in a time where some families feel lost. For the Welfare officers role to be dismissed and reviewed, is the Education Authority showing they would rather cut much needed support than truly try and help children and young people”.

There are extensive waiting lists to access an Education Welfare Officer with more than 3000 children already assigned to one.

Cllr Ferguson added: “This shows the demand and should show the Education Authority the need for them to meaningfully engage in the talks going forward.

“I know these members here want to be providing for these vulnerable children and their families. But staff feel they have no other option but to go into industrial action as all other attempts to resolve this dispute have failed.

“I call on the Educational Authority to be open and transparent in these talks, engage with the unions meaningfully and show their commitment to these staff, who play a vital and important role in many children and young peoples lives. We want pay parity.”

The (Acting) Assistant Secretary of NIPSA,Alan Law, added: “Education welfare officers play a hugely important role in the education of children and young people. They are instrumental in ensuring that attendance levels improve and work with families to ensure that this happens. There are extensive waiting lists to access an education welfare officer.

“NIPSA regrets that the refusal by the Education Authority to address the pay demand is leading to increased waiting times,

“NIPSA members want to be providing for these vulnerable children and their families but staff continue to be forced into industrial action as all other attempts to resolve this dispute have failed.

“We remain ready to enter meaningful negotiations to resolve this dispute and call on all the Education Authority to do likewise.”

In response, a spokesperson for the Education Authority said: “Our education welfare officer role is being reviewed to ensure that we meet the needs of our children and young people.

“The role provides an important service in promoting and supporting positive attendance at school and has been reviewed through engagement with families, schools and children and young people.

“We are committed to negotiations with NIPSA to find a resolution to the education welfare officer pay dispute and constructive engagement is ongoing.

“We will continue to do everything possible to make sure that the needs of our children and young people who use the service are addressed throughout this period.”