A UNION representative is calling for a compulsory redundancy at Pool House County Primary, Ingol, to be halted.

Mac Harrison, NASUWT Lancashire federation secretary, claims that school chiefs have been 'unsympathetic' in pursuing the compulsory redundancy, which would take effect from August 1999.

He claimed that teachers' unions were "unhappy that the school seemed to be unable to follow the procedures associated with issuing a compulsory redundancy," and added: "We wonder if parents are aware of the situation."

Mr Harrison said: "I have grave concerns regarding the unsympathetic actions of the headteacher and the governors in pursuing a possible compulsory redundancy at this school.

"We question the need for this compulsory redundancy, given that no proposed budget has been produced for the next financial year."

He added: "While we accept this is a school with falling rolls, the decision in March 1998 to employ two teachers in full-time permanent contracts in 1998, made it inevitable there would be financial and/or staffing implications.

"This was dishonest in that it jeopardised the position of all the hard-working staff in the school and the new appointments."

Mr Harrison said the alternatives put forward by teachers' unions had been rejected, and he urged the committee and headteacher to reconsider.

A spokesman for Pool House County Primary said: "This school has had difficulties with its staffing and budget. They had to make a reduction of two staff in 1998. The need for further reductions required for September 1999 only came to light last Autumn, as a result of an unpredictable fall in rolls."

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