Come clean about school risks and invest to remedy problems

Years of neglect and underfunding have worsened the situation, leaving some schools on the verge of collapse.

Commenting on the Public Accounts Committee report published today (Sunday) into the condition of school buildings, UNISON head of education Mike Short said:

“Ministers have continually failed to tackle or come clean about serious structural problems that have put pupil and staff safety at risk, as this report makes clear.

“Years of neglect and underfunding have worsened the situation, leaving some schools on the verge of collapse.

“With the autumn statement just days away, the chancellor must earmark the cash needed to ensure all school buildings are fit places to work and study.

“The government has to get a grip. A refurbishment and building programme is needed urgently to prevent further disruption to schooling and ensure no one’s put in danger.”

Notes to editors:
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union with more than 1.3 million members providing public services in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors.

Media contacts:
Anthony Barnes M: 07834 864794 E: a.barnes@unison.co.uk
Fatima Ayad M: 07508 080383 E: f.ayad@unison.co.uk