Support staff special conference

The decision to convene a Special Conference was not taken lightly. The TUC agreement has been in place for nearly a decade, during which time the education landscape has become increasingly fragmented and support staff have faced worsening conditions. Members concluded that change was necessary. 

The Special Conference was an inspirational event, with excellent and thoughtful debate throughout. Delegates fully recognised the seriousness of the decision before them, as well as the potential consequences, and approached the discussion in that spirit.

The Conference voted overwhelmingly to withdraw from the 2017 TUC agreement with GMB, UNISON and Unite in relation to school support staff.

From 28 March 2026, the NEU will therefore openly recruit and organise non‑union support staff, in line with the clear and democratic mandate given by our members.

Members agreed that this step is necessary to continue taking action on all‑school issues and to secure meaningful gains for NEU support staff members. The reality remains that support staff are largely non--unionised, low paid, and among the most vulnerable to redundancy and poor treatment by employers. 

The NEU remains committed to working collaboratively with sister unions to organise non‑unionised support staff wherever possible and the NEU will continue to seek dialogue with the TUC and NJC unions to find a way forward that is acceptable to all.

What is active recruitment?

Active recruitment means that every NEU rep and member should now ask every support staff colleague who is not already a member of a union to join the NEU.