Fuller Calls on South Kent to Save Learning Support Assistants

Local Lib Dem Gary Fuller has written to South Kent College Governor and District & Town Councillor George Bunting calling on him to intercede with the College's management to prevent the casualisation of its highly dedicated Learning Support Assistants (LSA) workforce.

Gary was shocked to receive news that the College is consulting on plans to put LSAs onto new contracts which, it appears, would hold no guarantees as to when they would be working and for how long, similar to sessional contracts used for emergency cover during sickness.

In his letter to College Governor Bunting, Gary wrote:

"As a former LSA, for over six years, I can tell you that this is a potentially disastrous route to take. A career as an LSA can be difficult financially, but is incredibly rewarding. There is, however, only so much financial hardship a professional can afford to take. Many great professionals, willing to work for comparatively low wages, will be unable to continue in the role of LSA if such casualisation takes place. In addition, contracts that don't guarantee hours and wages make claims for means tested support, such as Working Tax Credits, very difficult.

"LSAs work with some of the most needy students in today's education system. These students need support of the highest quality and consistency that maintains and improves their skills. To ensure that such provision at South Kent College continues to meet these high standards, the College must offer staff conditions that are conducive to a career, not a hobby.

"Education is not a hobby, as I'm sure you are aware, and high quality education is achieved through high quality leadership. I would, therefore, ask that you use your position as a corporation member to intercede with the management of the College and seek a satisfactory resolution to this important issue."

Commenting further, Gary said:

"I'm really shocked that any College could consider dismantling its support services in such a fundamental way. If this is simply a money saving scheme, it will cost the College more in the long run.

More importantly, though, it is the students who will suffer most if this plan goes ahead. I'd call upon all students and parents to lobby the College's management and Governors to ensure this doesn't happen."