THE Indian Workers Association added its voice today to calls for an end to discriminatory treatment of school support workers.

A Unison survey revealed last week that a third of staff witness verbal abuse and violence at work on a daily basis.

Nearly eight in 10 out of the 8,000 workers surveyed said they were worried about paying bills, while two-thirds said they put in extra hours for no pay every week.

“These incidents highlight a broader failure to uphold workers’ rights, as enshrined in UK labour laws and international human rights standards,” the association said in a statement.

“The survey further highlights widespread financial precarity and exploitation, with many support staff working unpaid hours and struggling to afford basic living expenses. 

“It is unacceptable that those who play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our children are undervalued and forced into economic hardship. 

“IWA calls for urgent measures, including adequate funding for schools, fair pay and recognition of the critical contributions of support staff.”