Fórsa has sought further information on the establishment of 15 link worker new posts within the School Completion Programmes (SCPs), specific to working with the Traveller and Roma communities.

The new posts will be remunerated on the existing project worker salary scale, and link workers will be responsible for liaising with a number of schools to improve provision and support for students who are members of the Traveller and Roma communities.  

Fórsa’s head of education Andy Pike said: “This investment in our SCPs is very welcome, and represents a vote of confidence in the ability of the SCP to continue to meet the needs of students from all backgrounds, including those from the Traveller and Roma communities.  

“As with many new developments, there are some issues to clarify, including the line management and reporting arrangements for the new staff,” he said. 

Andy added that union representatives will meet with the Department of Education later this month to discuss developments, and the ongoing preparation for the transfer of the SCP to an employment framework within the Education and Training Boards. 

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