A Co Tyrone grammar school are expecting to lay-off six members of staff under a redundacy scheme amid what is understood to be an ongoing issue with the school’s finances.
Since June, it has been reported that The Royal School Dungannon (RSD) have been facing “financial crisis”.
According to a report published by The Impartial Reporter, the fiscal situation within the school meant that jobs were at risk amid other cost-saving measures. All of which, are said to have been a direct result of inadequate funding from the Education Authority (EA).
On Wednesday, Cllr Clement Cuthbertson announced that The Royal School Dungannon have now written to, what he understood to be, eight non-teaching members in regards to possible redundancies.
It is important to note that UNISON – acting in the interests of those impacted by redundancies – have confirmed they are aware of six affected individuals at this time.
The DUP Cllr for the Dungannon area said: “I understand that eight members of staff have been notified at this stage, with the possibility of further redundancies next year now hanging over the remaining workforce.
“This follows newspaper headlines in June warning that the ‘Royal School Dungannon was facing financial crisis and cuts.’
“This is devastating news for those affected and their families. The timing makes it especially difficult, with staff facing the loss of their jobs in the run-up to Christmas.
“My thoughts are with everyone impacted during what will be an extremely worrying and uncertain time.”
Equally aggrieved by the news, UUP representative for Magherafelt, Marion Haydock commented: “Tea and sympathy is not enough. Is the DUP Education Minister who is responsible for education and schools in NI going to intervene to assist RSD and prevent these redundancies? Action not words.”
MLA Deborah Erskine added: “I have been deeply concerned about news of proposed non-teaching redundancies since rumours emerged in June.
“Since then I have tried to engage with the School directly, asking for information and meetings. I’ve also been engaging with the Education Minister on it also. In recent years Minister Givan provided funding for the school due to sustained lobbying on financial matters. I will be engaging again.
“First and foremost my thoughts are with the staff who have received this news. It will be an anxious time for them. They can be assured that I will be doing my utmost to raise this issue, as I have been for months.”
However, in regards to ‘political point scoring’ over the matter, Ms Erskine added: “Unfortunately an unelected party representative from another party used this issue this morning for a political point. For the avoidance of doubt – I scrutinise the work of all Ministers and I will not shy away or be apologetic about standing up for the people of Fermanagh and South Tyrone.
“As outlined above our Education Minister helped on issues before and I will continue to work on this case.”
In a statement provided to Armagh I UNISON said: “UNISON received notification from The Royal Scghool Dungannon that following approval from the school’s Board of Governors the school is to proceed with compulsory redundancies to six roles.
UNISON is deeply disappointed with the decision of the school to proceed with the redundancies.
Joe McCusker Regional Organiser said: “We are very disappointed with the school’s decision to cut jobs. This is devastating for those workers facing the loss of their jobs who have provided many years of loyal service to the school.
“Our focus will be to continue supporting our members affected through the redundancy process.”
The Royal School Dungannon have been contacted for comment.
