GMB claims victory after government performs screeching U-Turn on free school lunches

GMB, the union for school support staff, is celebrating news the Government has performed another massive U-turn – this time on the decision to take away free school meals. 

The Conservatives prompted outcry in May when they announced plans to take away kids’ school dinners. 

GMB research showed the move could see up to 17,000 school dinner staff face redundancy. [1] 

But today during an urgent question in Parliament on education funding, Schools Minister Nick Gibb announced the Tories had scrapped the ill-fated proposal.

Tim Roache, GMB General Secretary said:

“Snatching lunches from school kids is a spectacularly bad idea and a sure fire vote loser. 

"It's taken far too long for them to admit it, but the Government has seen sense in the end - the argument shouldn't be how we can take food away from hungry children, but how we can make sure no child or young person goes hungry full stop. 

"This policy was bad news for kids, for parents and for the 17,000 hard-working school support staff whose jobs would have been put at risk." 

ENDS 

Notes to editors

[1] Nearly 17,000 school dinner staff face redundancy thanks to Tory plans to scrap free lunches