London support staff walk out over pay weighting, prompting school closures

Support staff at London schools are staging a walkout to demand the same inner-London weighting that teachers receive, citing a yearly shortfall of up to £1,400. Merton Council confirmed that 28 schools in its borough will face disruption, ranging from full closures to limited attendance for specific year groups such as Years 11 and 13 at Thomas Tallis School. The GMB union’s regional secretary, Nadine Houghton, called the pay gap "historic" and said members have voted to take their case to parliament.

While the council praised the essential role of support staff, it said it lacks the legal authority and budget to provide the requested increase without affecting other services. Parents are being advised to contact individual schools or local officials for up-to-date information on openings and safety.