AN impact assessment should be carried out on plans to cut the school week, it has been claimed.
Union Unison is calling on Dumfries and Galloway Council to look at the effects their proposal will have, particularly on children who are already vulnerable and households struggling financially with a cost-of-living crisis.
Branch secretary Jan Andrews believes a socio-economic and equality impact assessment is needed.
She is concerned a move to a 4.5 day week will have adverse impacts, including with the result some children will miss out on meals.
Causing financial detriment to families who need to pay for extra childcare or lose income through adjusting their hours, is another concern. As is, the chance that some people could lose their job or give up work if they are unable to get their hours changed to fit in with new school hours.
Jan added: “It will also impact on children with special needs, staff who require reasonable adjustments and families who have already had to make special accommodations which may need changed again. “Transport is also a huge issue, especially for those who don’t drive, have different timetables to work to at schools, nurseries and work and public transport is inadequate.
“Quite simply it impacts on so many people based on their social and economic circumstances, their sex and disability status and family circumstances.”
Unison are currently consulting on the issue with their own members and have extended the deadline for submissions. All feedback will then be shared with Dumfries and Galloway Council.
