Council urged to use savings for teaching

A CASH-strapped council is being urged to use nearly £1 million of energy bill savings to safeguard the jobs of classroom assistants who face the axe.

Highland Council proposes to cut 158 full-time equivalent classroom assistant posts, which are filled by 344 people, to save money.

It plans to replace them with up to 70 full-time equivalent learning support auxiliary posts, filled by up to 150 staff, for children with specific needs.

SNP councillors say money saved on electricity bills as a result of new IT equipment could be used to save some posts. The council's IT contractor, Fujitsu, has told councillors new equipment would save 14 per cent - approximately 900,000 - in electricity costs.

A protest by parents and pupils against the proposed staff cuts is planned ahead of tomorrow's council meeting.