The management of Hull Collaborative Academy Trust (HCAT) must provide clarity over the high level of compensation paid to the chief executive and other senior staff, UNISON says today (Monday).
The union, along with the National Education Union (NEU) and NASUWT, has written to the board of the multi-academy trust, over concerns the CEO is among the highest-paid in the country, and a significantly higher proportion of funds is allocated to senior trust staff compared with other trusts.
The unions have also highlighted above-inflation pay awards given to higher-ranking trust staff in previous years, while others have experienced below-inflation increases or even wage freezes.
Senior trust employees should voluntarily forgo their 2023/24 pay award of 6.5% until the concerns have been addressed, say the unions.
UNISON Yorkshire and Humberside regional organiser Dean Harper said: “The trustees need to address the unions’ concerns urgently.
“Schools are struggling to buy equipment and could even be forced to restructure, while senior figures at HCAT have enjoyed pay rises above inflation.
“The trust must show how its actions fit within the guidelines governing academies, and justify the decision to increase payments to senior staff to such a degree.”
