Over 750 workers have been given extra job security, after the Harmony Trust agreed not to make any compulsory redundancies for twelve months following a UNISON campaign.
Pictured: Becky Everett Branch Secretary UNISON Derby City Branch and Antony Hughes CEO of The Harmony Trust
The trusts runs 15 schools including the Ash Croft Primary Academy, Reigate Park Primary Academy and Cottons Farm Primary School in Derbyshire.
The Harmony Trust’s Chief Executive Officer Antony Hughes has signed a special pact to safeguard jobs in recognition of employees vital work during the Covid-19 pandemic.
UNISON is urging other employers across the region to follow suit. The union said school staff who worked tirelessly during the height of the pandemic have had worries of their own, with many living in households where other family members lost out on wages or have faced redundancy. This agreement means staff have one less thing to worry about in these uncertain times, says UNISON.
Chief Executive Officer at The Harmony Trust Antony Hughes, who signed the agreement said: “We are immensely proud of our 756 colleagues and are grateful to them for the tremendous commitment they have demonstrated during the long months of the pandemic. Their tenacity and selflessness over the past 16 months have been incredibly humbling, working indefatigably to ensure we continue to deliver outstanding education for our children in the most difficult of circumstances and provide vital support to our communities. I am very honoured to be part of the Harmony Family and my thanks goes out to each and every person for their continued dedication, courage and hard work.”
UNISON Derby City branch secretary Becky Everett, who signed the agreement on behalf of the trade union, said: “I am a proud Harmony trust employee and I am delighted that Harmony Trust are the first Academy Trust to get on board with protecting jobs for staff and members of Derby City Branch. Our members within schools have kept education going for the children in our city throughout a global pandemic and its only right that these employees should now have job protection”