Understand
Teachers and staff strike at Barrow primary school left without a permanent home
Overview
Staff at Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School in Barrow-in-Furness have gone on strike over excessive workloads, wellbeing concerns, and a lack of compensation following a January 2023 evacuation due to a rotten floor. The school, part of the Mater Christi Trust, has been operating across multiple sites since the closure. While negotiations through Acas have stalled, both parties remain open to further talks.
Key points
- Staff and NAHT members at Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School in Barrow-in-Furness held a walk-out over workload and compensation disputes.
- The school was evacuated in January 2023 after an inspection found the floor was rotten and at risk of collapse.
- Staff have since worked across multiple sites under exceptional arrangements, leading to health, safety, and wellbeing concerns.
- Further strike action is scheduled for Wednesday, as well as 9 and 10 November.
- The Mater Christi Trust expressed regret over the disruption and stated it had finite resources to support its 16 schools, though both sides remain open to continued discussions.