Members of staff at fee-paying schools in Ireland could face the prospect of losing their jobs should schools that charge fees drop these costs.

This is the suggestion of Ferdia Kelly, General Secretary of the Joint Managerial Body, who warned that up to 1,500 workers could be made redundant if these schools join the free education scheme, the Irish Independent reports.

Mr Kelly explained that should this happen, there would be major repercussions for people who work at the schools, including gardeners, maintenance workers and other ancilliary workers privately employed by them.

He stated: "It is unfortunate that the change in government policy in relation to student-teacher ratios has led to some schools finding themselves in difficulty," adding that while it would be illogical for the government to take on fee-paying schools at any time, it is particularly unwise at a time when resources are so scarce and there is a lack of money available for schools. 

Written by Donal Walsh

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