RESEARCH released by Unison today reveals cash-strapped school support staff are using their own money to help pay for pupils’ food and clothing.

The public service union said its UK-wide survey of more than 13,000 school workers revealed that staff including teaching assistants, caterers and cleaners are buying food, clothes and stationery for hard-up pupils.

More than a third of respondents said they have helped with food or packed lunches and uniforms, while one in five have contributed to books and stationery.

Virtually all those surveyed said their pay is not enough to cover their bills and other household costs.

One in seven workers said they have used foodbanks in the past year and more than two-fifths have had to borrow money to stay afloat financially.

Unison’s head of education Mike Short said: “Even though school staff are not well-off themselves, they’re still doing what they can for their pupils. 

“Support staff are vital to the smooth running of schools and the experiences of pupils. Their pay should better reflect the invaluable support they provide.”

In Wales more than 800 school workers completed the survey.

Unison Cymru’s Rosie Lewis said: “The report identifies thousands of staff who are being attracted to jobs in retail and hospitality, with less responsibility and better pay.”

A Welsh government spokesperson said: “Ensuring all school children fulfil their potential is a priority and we have a number of policies to ensure none go hungry or without the essentials required for schools.”

Unison also surveyed more than 3,000 school workers across Scotland and one respondent said: “I regularly use food banks, clothing banks and have had to sell my furniture.

“I am dependent on benefits to supplement my income.”

Unison Scotland’s Lorraine Thompson said: “It is truly shocking that employees struggling to make ends meet are having to bail out less fortunate families.”

Unison school support staff in parts of Scotland took strike action this month over pay and have put an improved offer from council umbrella body Cosla to its members.

Cosla has been approached for comment.

School leaders’ union NAHT’s James Bowen said: “The government has so far done very little to help alleviate the impact of poverty on children — surveys like this show how urgent it is that more is done.”