I am one of the 2,700 teaching assistants who will be dismissed and re-engaged if Durham county council goes ahead with this ridiculous proposal (Who will speak up for teaching assistants?, 10 September). It saddens me to think that due to these decisions I could be forced out of a job that I absolutely adore and have done for the past 13 years in the same school – forced out due to the fact that the proposal would leave me desperately short on my monthly bills and I would have to seek alternative employment to survive. No one, in my eyes, can live off a salary for 13 years and then take a 23% pay cut when they are already very poorly paid. As a parent, I also worry that my own child may not receive the same excellent level of support in his own education if other teaching assistants choose to do the same.
I manage on my wage without living an extravagant lifestyle because I love the job I do and the children I work with. From educator, to support, to cleaner, to cook, to confidante, social worker and many more, my job is more than just washing paint pots and sharpening pencils.
May I just ask under a Labour council should I be in a position now where I would be better off (financially) if I finished work and went on benefits? This is the truth of my situation.
Lindsay Dawson
West Rainton, County Durham
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