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Unions clinch deal over pay

Unions representing more than 4,000 school support staff in Birmingham have claimed overwhelming backing for a landmark deal that sets the pace among local authorities in England in establishing a career structure and enhanced pay and conditions. Nearly 90 per cent of the school support staff in the city's 450 schools belonging to the GMB and Unison trade unions voted for the deal after a three-year campaign. Rob Kelsall, GMB regional organiser, said the vote meant that 'we can go forward into the new academic year on a positive note'. He said that discussions were beginning this week in the city's 450 schools 'to assimilate all the existing staff into the new career structure', which comes into force on 1 September.

Nearly 90 per cent of the school support staff in the city's 450 schools belonging to the GMB and Unison trade unions voted for the deal after a three-year campaign. Rob Kelsall, GMB regional organiser, said the vote meant that 'we can go forward into the new academic year on a positive note'. He said that discussions were beginning this week in the city's 450 schools 'to assimilate all the existing staff into the new career structure', which comes into force on 1 September.

Mr Kelsall added, 'The acceptance of this deal will also have nationwide implications. It is the first and most significant deal and is seen by all other local authorities in England and Wales as the benchmark to measure themselves by in delivering a decent career structure, pay and conditions.'

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