Statement by TUV leader Jim Allister:-
“We are in the last week of the school term. Months ago in various schools the process of teachers applying for redundancy started. Many in good faith applied and schools were preparing their staffing arrangements for September accordingly, which in some cases involves appointments on the basis of ‘transferred redundancies’.
“Now, at the last moment, the Education Minister has refused consent for redundancies, except in the case of schools he is closing. This has thrown many schools and teachers expecting redundancy into disarray.
“Having created the legitimate expectation that redundancies would proceed, the minister’s edict shows not just cavalier disregard for the good governance of schools, but typifies the selfish and dictatorial fashion in which the department is run.
“I propose to attempt to raise this issue today in the Assembly by way of an Urgent Oral Question.”