Ryan FowlerMembers of the National Education Union Cymru (NEU Cymru) at Ysgol Robert Owen, Newtown, have requested a ballot for industrial action following Powys Council’s announcement of significant staff redundancies. The school, which opened on 1 September 2024 after a £22m investment, now faces proposals that could see up to one in six staff lose their jobs. There are also concerns that the state-of-the-art hydro pool may remain unused.
Nicola Fitzpatrick, interim Wales secretary for NEU Cymru, criticised the situation, saying: “It is unbelievable that Powys Council have spent £22m of public money on a much-needed new school for children with additional learning needs but it appears they have not done their homework on how much it will cost to run and staff. We’re shocked they have also failed to fill all the places in the school despite a clear need for specialist provision.”
She further warned that the proposed cuts would undermine the purpose of the new school and compromise safety: “The proposed cuts will reduce the school to a shadow of what was intended as well as create an environment that is fundamentally unsafe for staff and pupils alike. Children with additional learning needs and our members both deserve better. The Council should now identify the funds to run this brand-new facility safely and at its full potential.”
The union’s concerns over staff and student safety, coupled with the apparent financial shortfall, have prompted calls for urgent action from the Council to prevent disruption to the school’s operations.
