COUNCIL chiefs have been accused of “shambolic” consultation meetings amid a continued dispute with teaching assistants.

While Durham County Council’s controversial decision to pay its 2,700 teaching assistants term-time only rather than the current 52 weeks a year arrangement was approved by members in May, discussions are continuing to take place over the actual imposition of new contracts which will involve dismissing and re-engaging staff.

Opposition to the move shows no sign of fading away, despite council attempts to sweeten the pill by offering compensation to those affected.

Durham teaching assistants plan a peaceful march at the Durham Miners Gala on July 9, a solidarity demonstration at County Hall on July 21 and a further planned action on September 8 in which they will voice their anger.

Campaigners say they hope their actions will force the council will come to its senses and even perform a U-turn on its decision.

Campaign organiser Gillian Iveson said teaching assistants were facing a 23 per cent pay cut and many had not been offered extra hours by their schools, despite the expectation they would do so.

She said: “We are a predominantly female, low paid workforce and we simply cannot afford these cuts.

“We have no option but to fight for our livelihoods and the future of our families, which are now being jeopardised as a result of this terrible decision.”

She added: “Consultation meetings offered to affected staff have been shambolic and there are many questions that remain unanswered. We are facing an incredibly uncertain future as a result.”

Helen Metcalf, a regional organiser with Unison, said: “We have put forward further proposals which the council has agreed to consider and we are still pushing to re-open negotiations and achieve a more successful outcome.”

Paul Darby, Durham County Council’s corporate director for resources, said: “It’s really important to remember the context for this review and to note that the changes to term time contracts have already been introduced by almost all other councils across the North-East.

"These proposals are aimed at ensuring fairness and parity across our whole workforce, in and out of school.

“Consultations are ongoing with all the affected staff, schools and unions and once this is completed we will respond in September to any issues raised.”