MP calls on Clarence High bosses to rethink decision on redundant staff's pay

Sefton Central MP Bill Esterson has written to Clarence High School bosses to ask them to "look again" at the decision to cut staff at the end of the school year.

Nugent, the charity which runs the high school on West Lane in Formby, which provides educational placements for children with social, emotional and behavioural difficulties, made the decision to close the school earlier this year.

Despite pledges to redeploy employees where possible, the MP has been told that staff have been informed that they will be let go in July, leaving them without pay for the school holiday month of August.

The MP asked Nugent chief executive Normandie Wragg to reconsider this decision.

He wrote in the letter: "I am sure Nugent would like to be seen as a considerate employer who treats its staff well. Many of your staff live in my constituency. "They have been left distressed at the thought of being left without pay in August and being unable to find new employment until the new school year in September. "Will you look again at your decision to stop your employees’ pay at a time when they are unable to find further work?"

The MP added: "The decision to close the school shocked the staff, pupils and parents and was made with little notice. School staff are unlikely to find new jobs at this stage in the school year, which leaves them facing the summer without pay. I hope Nugent will take this on board and think again. The school's hard working and dedicated staff deserve better."

PIC show: Bill Esterson MP at Clarence High school on West Lane.