Key Points
- Members of the GMB union in more than 30 schools across Merton and Greenwich boroughs in London will strike on Friday, May 1, 2026.
- The dispute centres on London weighting payments, where support staff receive Outer London rates while teachers in the same schools get higher Inner London rates, leading to a difference of over £1,000 annually for some staff.
- In Merton, 22 primary schools are affected, with the council confirming strike action organised by GMB.
- GMB senior organiser Helen O’Connor stated that members have fought for pay equality for years and voted for action after being undervalued.
- Merton Council urged GMB to cancel the strike and accept mediation, noting that pay is set nationally and cannot be altered locally without government intervention.
- The issue affects several outer London boroughs and will be addressed by the new Schools Staff Negotiating Body (SSNB), with first outcomes expected in 2027-28.
- Prior to the strike vote, GMB members in Merton submitted a petition with over 500 signatures protesting the pay discrepancy.
- GMB regional organiser Alex Etches criticised Merton Council leader Ross Garrod for not rectifying the “historic and ongoing pay injustice”.
Merton and Greenwich (South London News) April 29, 2026 – Support staff in more than 30 schools across Merton and Greenwich boroughs are set to strike on Friday in a long-running dispute over pay, as announced by the GMB union.
Why Are Support Staff in Merton and Greenwich Striking?
The strike involves GMB union members who provide essential services in schools, including teaching assistants, administrative staff, caterers, and caretakers.
As reported in MyLondon, members across Merton and Greenwich will walk out on Friday due to a dispute with employers over historic underpayment of London weighting.
London weighting compensates staff for higher living costs in the capital, divided into Inner and Outer rates. Support staff receive the Outer London rate, while teachers in the same schools qualify for the Inner London rate. The GMB described this difference as more than £1,000 for some staff.
In Merton specifically, support staff at 22 primary schools voted for one-day action on May 1, 2026, as detailed by Merton Council Newsroom.
The council stated the action affects several outer London boroughs and urged GMB to pursue mediation instead.
Helen O’Connor, GMB senior organiser, said:
“Our members have been fighting for this pay equality for years now and have voted for strike action as they’ve had enough of being undervalued.”
What Is the London Weighting Dispute?
London weighting forms part of national pay scales for public sector workers, including school staff, under the National Joint Council (NJC).
Teachers’ pay, governed separately, often aligns with Inner London for certain boroughs like Merton and Greenwich due to school classifications.
GMB research indicates an average annual shortfall of £1,400 for Merton support staff compared to teachers. This stems from Merton being classified as Outer London for support roles despite teachers receiving Inner rates.
As noted by Inside Croydon reporter Steven Downes, teaching assistants and other support staff in Merton receive Outer London weighting, while colleagues receive higher pay, prompting a ballot announced in February 2026.
Alex Etches, GMB regional organiser, said:
“Staff in Merton schools work incredibly hard but are being treated unfairly by a Labour authority who should be ashamed of this arrangement. Staff are losing around a thousand pounds every year due to this con and they are sick of waiting for Labour Leader Ross Garrod to do what is right and moral.”
Earlier, GMB members submitted a petition with more than 500 signatures to Merton Council protesting the discrepancy, but discussions broke down.
How Has Merton Council Responded to the Strike?
Merton Council expressed disappointment over the vote for action in both Merton and Greenwich. A council spokesperson stated:
“The council is urging the GMB to cancel this avoidable action – which will impact children, families and other school staff – and instead take up the offer of mediation with the council.”
The council emphasised that school support staff pay is set nationally via the NJC, not locally. It cannot use general funds to top up pay, as schools receive a protected Dedicated Schools Grant.
Merton plans to support the Schools Staff Negotiating Body (SSNB), established by the government to address disparities, with changes anticipated from 2027-28. The council will advocate for pay parity between inner and outer London support staff at SSNB.
Schools will contact parents directly about arrangements, with some potentially closing partially based on staffing and safety. The council is providing guidance on operations and support for vulnerable pupils.
Which Schools Are Affected and What Disruptions Are Expected?
In Merton, 22 primary schools are involved, though exact lists await confirmation from GMB. Greenwich details remain similar, with over 30 schools total across both boroughs.
Headteachers will decide on openings, authorising absences if needed. The council anticipates minimal disruption through close collaboration but warns of impacts on children and families.
No further strikes are announced beyond May 1, depending on talks.
Background of the Pay Dispute Development
The London weighting issue dates back years, with GMB campaigning for parity. In Greenwich, similar protests occurred, as GMB senior organiser Stuart Fegan noted in 2024:
“School staff in Greenwich schools are paid the lower Outer London Weighting as they work alongside teachers who are paid higher Inner London Weighting.”
Merton’s ballot followed failed talks with Labour-controlled council leader Ross Garrod. Nationally, support staff earn around £23,656 starting, below teachers’ £36,000+ in Outer London. UNISON highlights differing NJC offers: £1,575 Inner vs £1,491 Outer recently.
GMB has pushed for reinstatement of a dedicated support staff negotiating body, echoing calls after 2025 pay awards where staff got 3.2% vs teachers’ 4%. The SSNB represents government acknowledgement.
Prediction: Impact on School Communities
This development can affect parents, pupils, and school operations in Merton and Greenwich by causing potential closures or reduced services on strike day, requiring alternative childcare and disrupting education. Support staff absence may strain remaining teams, particularly for vulnerable children needing pastoral or SEND support.
For GMB members, the action highlights ongoing undervaluation amid rising London costs, potentially prolonging disputes until SSNB outcomes in 2027-28 without local resolution. Councils face pressure to mitigate nationally set pay limits, while prolonged tension could influence future ballots or negotiations.
Parents should monitor school communications for May 1 arrangements.
