- Conference
- 2025 Local Government Service Group Conference
- Date
- 21 February 2025
- Decision
- Carried
Conferences recognises and commends the efforts of UNISON members in Northern Ireland in campaigning for the introduction of universal, free school meals.
Conference notes that the UNISON campaign in Northern Ireland has been for the introduction for universal, nutritious, free school meals for all children and young people, as a measure to promote child health and development and reduce poverty. Conference particularly notes that a key aspect of the campaign has been to recognise and safeguard the vital role played by the schools catering workforce.
Conference is aware that, following a review of free school meals eligibility undertaken by the Department of Education in Northern Ireland, a public consultation on options to introduce forms of universal provision of free school meals closed in February.
Conference agrees that any progressive roll out of universal, free school meals should be taken forwards within the publicly delivered ‘in house’ schools catering service, and that there must be a firm commitment from the Department of Education and Education Authority in Northern Ireland that no aspect of services will be outsourced or privatised.
Conference calls on the UNISON Local Government Service Group Executive to support the Northern Ireland Local Government Service Group in securing these commitments as part of the ongoing campaign for universal, free school meals.
