A recent survey has found that almost one in three school staff members in the West Midlands are working in buildings affected by asbestos concerns.
The GMB Union conducted a poll in September 2026 involving over 400 school support staff across the region. Participants included teaching assistants, catering staff, caretakers, and administrative workers.
Of those surveyed, 31 per cent reported that their schools had problems related to asbestos.
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These findings were highlighted at the Trades Union Congress (TUC) annual conference held in Brighton on Monday, where GMB is proposing a motion addressing pay conditions for school support staff.
Stacey Booth, GMB National Officer, commented, “School support staff have been unfairly underpaid for years while they educate and care for our children. In addition to inadequate pay, they are forced to work in unsafe, deteriorating schools, with buildings afflicted by asbestos and mould.”
She added, “GMB members are urging the TUC to support their campaign for fair pay and to oppose further academisation. We also call on Ministers to invest in our school infrastructure and secure our children’s futures, as was done by the last Labour Government.”
Further results from the survey reveal additional concerns faced by school staff, highlighting the urgent need for improved working conditions and infrastructure investment across the education sector in the region.