Young Maryhill dad needs council U-turn to save his job

Sean O’Neill, 27, could be out of work in three weeks because of sweeping education cuts that were decided in a budget last month.

He is one of 11 developing young workforce employees who are facing unemployment on March 31 due to lack of confirmation of Scottish Government funding.

Sean joined protesters outside the City Chambers (Image: Sourced)

READ MORE: Potential loss of programme is direct assault on young Glaswegians

His role involves mentoring and preparing vulnerable youngsters into getting higher education and jobs.

Sean joined protesters to rally on Thursday, March 7 as the city also faces losing 450 teachers and 24 mentoring staff who work with children in care.

Protesters are demanding a U-turn (Image: Sourced)

Sean told the Glasgow Times: “We have three weeks until we don't have a job anymore so have come out to get answers, we cannot stand for any more education cuts.

“I work in two schools helping young people access apprenticeships, get into college, and give them a bit of direction. Without that there is no safety net for them.

“I wish there had been a programme like this when I was at school because it would have really helped me.

“I am on a temporary worker contract so once it is up then we will be out of employment, so my family will suffer as well as these young people.

“You have another thing coming if you think that education cuts won't see even more poverty in the future.

“It is about time people with influence and power really think about that. There needs to be a U-turn.”

Pam Duncan-Glancy MSP was at the rally against the budget cuts (Image: Sourced)

READ MORE: Former participants blast plan to cut Glasgow mentoring scheme

Unison convenor for education Sylvia Haughney said 450 teacher jobs will be cut over three years as well as mentoring programme MCR Pathways staff who support 2000 children.

Ms Haughney said the MCR Pathways service is for disadvantaged children and accused the council of lack of transparency when presenting education cuts in the budget paper last month.

She described how MCR Pathways staff were devastated and crying to hear about the cull of the service.

Ms Haughney said: “The first thing they said was: ‘what is going to happen to my kids?'”

She added: “The council need to do a u-turn and do it now.”

MSP Pam Duncan-Glancy said cutting the staff will “deny future generations” opportunities.
Sweeping education cuts were decided in a budget last month. (Image: Sourced)

A council spokeswoman said: “Officers are looking at several education service reform options as part of a budget that required almost £108 million worth savings from council services over the next three years, not including social care.

“For many years education spending has been protected, relative to other services, in the budget process.

"However, with the education budget now amounting to more than half of service expenditure directed by the council, that is significantly more challenging when substantial savings are still required.

“Meetings have taken place with trade unions to discuss the challenges and make them aware of the savings needed and senior staff are also meeting with headteachers.

“At every stage, officers will do everything they can to minimise the impact but in the current financial climate the council has to look at every option.

“A cross party, political oversight group has been established and we will continue to engage with employees.”