A COALITION of trade unions and education, farming and tourism organisations called on the Welsh government today to scrap its reform of the school year.

The 11 organisations include NASUWT Cymru, NEU Cymru, Unison Cymru/Wales, GMB Wales, the National Farmers Union of Wales, the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society and the Welsh Association of Visitor Attractions.

The unlikely alliance has come together to challenge the Welsh government’s consultation on a change to the school year. 

They say that they have not been properly consulted and a joint letter has been sent to Education Minister Jeremy Miles. 

The coalition claims the measure, which involves a week being taken from the crucial autumn term and placed in the quieter post-examination period, is not supported by research and would damage learning. 

In tourism, there is concern that tourist attractions will close and jobs will be lost as a week in October is not at all equivalent to a week in July. 

Organisers of the Royal Welsh Show claim that it could lose £1 million a year if the change goes ahead. 

The coalition is urging the withdrawal of the proposal.

A Welsh government spokesperson said: “This is an opportunity to design a school calendar that works better for teachers, staff and, most importantly, learners, providing everyone with the best conditions in which to thrive.

“We continue to engage with key stakeholders and the public consultation, which closes on February 12, offers everyone the opportunity to have their voice heard.”