TEACHING assistants will reject a revised proposal by council chiefs to change their contracts so they are paid term time only.

Unison said a consultative ballot showed that an “overwhelming majority” of its members were opposed to the Durham County Council plans.

A demonstration is to take place outside County Hall on Friday (April 8) when many of those affected by the changes aim to make their voice heard to councillors.

Critics say it will mean large pay cuts for teaching assistants and the authority should stick to the current 52 weeks a year pay structure which followed a deal struck more than ten years ago by unions aiming to recognise the extra responsibilities taken on by support staff.

The county council has attempted to sweeten the pill by offering compensation, in the form of lump sum payments, and phasing in what it has described as the “fair and equitable” changes over three years.

It also has pointed out that almost all local authorities in the North-East have already moved away from the 52-week arrangement.

At this stage it is unclear whether the council could again revise its offer, or simply impose the new contract – assuming it is given the green light by councillors – with discussions over the changes having begun back in November.

Unison said the proposals would result in a pay cut of up to 23 per cent for the 2,700 staff employed as teaching assistants in the county.

Helen Metcalf, a regional organiser with Unison, said “big numbers” were expected at the demonstration.

She said: “For our members, this is a life changing amount to face losing – for most it is equivalent to their mortgage or rental payment.

“The impact is simply huge and we believe that the council does have other options. Should this go ahead, there will be a knock-on effect within our local economy and a potential skills drain for County Durham schools if experienced Teaching Assistants are forced to seek work elsewhere or leave altogether.

“Our consultative ballot, which has had a very high return, shows that the overwhelming majority of our members reject these proposals. Results will be announced on Monday when they return to schools.”