Threat to jobs of 344 Highland classroom assistants reaches Scottish Parliament

THE row the threat to axe 344 classroom assistants was raised in the Scottish Parliament today.

Highland MSP Dave Thompson called for Highland Council to use some of its £7 million underspend to fund the retention of 344 classroom assistants who have been told their posts could go as part of a cost-cutting measure.

During First Ministers Questions at Holyrood on Thursday afternoon, Mr Thompson, SNP MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch, highlighted the fact that Highland Council’s dramatic cost-cutting measures implemented over the past 12 months have left the local authority with an underspend of about £7 million.

He asked First Minister Alex Salmond if he agreed that some of this saving should be used to protect these “vital” classroom assistant posts.

Mr Salmond replied that Mr Thompson’s suggestion was “very reasonable” and that he was sure it would be heard by Highland Council’s administration.

Following the exchange Mr Thompson, who has campaigned against the cuts, stressed that classroom assistants play a very valuable role in supporting teachers as they educate all pupils in their classes.

He said: "I really do hope that LibDem led Highland Council see sense about this issue and agree to lift the threat from the 344 Classroom Assistants.

"It is clear to all who have an open mind about this issue that a full review is necessary over the next year and that the posts must be reprieved and given some security whilst that review takes place.

"The council now has no financial excuse to cut these valuable posts and must respond to the sound arguments put forward by the Parent groups and others at their meeting on 23rd June."