SCHOOL support staff from Swansea met low-pay experts today to explain how they are struggling to make ends meet.

The meeting, organised by Unison Cymru, was part of the Low Pay Commission’s evidence-gathering process ahead of its recommendations for the next increase in the national minimum wage.

Commissioners heard from school workers employed as teaching assistants, cleaners, lunchtime supervisors, caretakers, and administrative staff — many earning only slightly more than the legal minimum, according to Unison.

Most support staff are employed on a term-time only basis, with little opportunity for career progression and no standardised pay.

Unison Cymru is calling for a new negotiating body for school support staff in Wales, arguing that low wages are fuelling a recruitment and retention crisis in schools.

Swansea school support worker Jan Murray said: “Support staff are vital to a school’s success, but many are trapped on low pay.

“Parents would probably be shocked to learn many school support staff are on wages so low they have to rely on benefits.”

Unison Cymru’s Sara Allen said: “A school in Cardiff has set up a food bank especially for its support staff, that’s how bleak things are.”