Commenting on the news that Harris are planning to cut significant numbers of teachers, Daniel Kebede, general secretary of the National Education Union, said:
"The decision by Harris Trust to cut 45 teaching staff is yet another underhand move by its CEO Dan Moynihan. This is a federation whose latest financial records show they have £21 million in reserves.
"Cuts to teaching staff means a cut for children and young people and the education they receive.
"Attempts to make financial savings at the coal face is outrageous from a man who earns over half a million, has over 46 executive staff earning more than £130,000, with the top 12 of those earning over £200,000 at a combined cost of c.£3.2 million. (1)
"Harris is blaming the cuts on unfunded teacher and support staff pay rises for 2025/26. However, the Government is yet to release the School Teachers' Review Body's recommendations or confirm funding arrangements for next year. This is truly cart before horse management.
"The underhand practices of individually targeting staff must end. Negotiations with staff trade unions must start. The NEU is consulting with its sister union the NASUWT to ensure that Harris teachers are protected, and that children’s education in Harris schools is not undermined.
"Profit and personal gain over teaching standards in our schools will not be stood for."