A new action plan, setting out reform proposals as part of the Building Momentum public service pay agreement, was published this week by the Department of Education, and includes a number of specific proposals affecting SNAs, including a review of the national contract.

The action plan document is set out as a series of actions relating to primary, post-primary and further education sectors, linking back to the reform element of the current agreement.

A review of the current SNA redundancy scheme, and engagement on the new SNA allocation model, are both included under new and revised HR policy proposals.

A proposal to review the existing SNA contract, including the controversial 72 hours, is also included. The action plan document states that the contract review is to determine if it needs to be updated as part of ongoing reform in special education, and in the context of changes to employment law.

Fórsa’s head of Education Andy Pike said the opportunity to engage under the terms of Building Momentum provides a welcome opportunity to address long-standing concerns over the SNA contract, the current redundancy scheme, the new ‘frontloading’ model of allocation and continuing professional development for SNAs.

“The voice of SNAs has never been stronger in education as the union’s membership continues to grow. The commitment to engagement on these issues reflects the legitimacy and potency of our members voice in education, and I’m looking forward to a constructive and positive engagement on these issues,” he said.

You can read the full action plan document HERE.