All teachers and other staff at schools being reorganised in Rhondda Cynon Taf are having to re-apply for their jobs. The council confirmed a statutory consultation involving 294 staff at six schools is underway - they are Pontypridd High, Hawthorn High, Hawthorn Primary, Cilfynydd Primary, Ysgol Pontsionnorton and Heol y Celyn Primary .
Unions representing some of those affected said they expect all staff who want them to be offered jobs in the two new 3-16 schools replacing the high schools or the new Welsh language primary also opening under the plans.
One person involved in the process described the mood as angry and said people were already applying for roles elsewhere: “Everyone has to apply for their own jobs. There is a lot of anger and sadness at this decision as some teachers are already looking for other jobs.”
Read more: This is what three new schools in the Pontypridd area are set to be called
RCT’s cabinet agreed in July 2019, to formally confirm proposals to create new 3–16 all through schools in Hawthorn and Pontypridd and a new Welsh medium primary school - Heol y Celyn - in Rhydyfelin. Since then, the temporary governing bodies have appointed headteachers and the process of appointing all other staff is starting now, with all three schools due to open in September, 2024.
A spokesperson for Unison, which is representing around 30 of those affected, said: "We can confirm that staff will need to reapply for their jobs but we are unable to say how many roles could be affected as the consultation process is still ongoing and as such everything is subject to change.
"The consultation is due to end on 18 April 2023 but could be extended if there are still issues and concerns outstanding."
Neil Butler, Wales Secretary for the Nasuwt, said: “Nasuwt Cymru is aware of school reorganisation plans at Pontypridd High, Hawthorn, and Heol y Celyn and is supporting and advising members during the consultation process. Needless to say, we expect all existing staff who wish to seek opportunities in the new schools to be successful and not face detriment.”
Unison Cymru/Wales education convenor Dean Price said: “Pontypridd High School is closing in August 2024 and re-opening in September 2024 as a school for children aged 3-16 years old as part of the 21st Century Schools project.
“Unison represents a significant number of support staff at the school who are currently engaging fully in a consultation process with some requesting voluntary retirement. As the largest public services trade union in Wales, we will always do everything we can to get the best possible outcome for our members.”
A spokesperson for Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council said: “Following discussions with Trade Unions, a statutory consultation is currently taking place as part of the Pontypridd schools’ reorganisation.
This consultation involves all staff who are currently employed at the schools that will close in readiness for the opening of two new 3-16 schools and a new Welsh medium primary school in September 2024. The consultation process with staff is ongoing.”
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