Catering staff and cleaners at an expensive private school in East London are taking strike action next week in a dispute over pay cuts.

The workers at Forest School in Snaresbrook are employed on a contract by Compass Group UK & Ireland Limited. They are facing a pay cut of up to 13.5 per cent as Forest School has cut the contract to term time only, so 45 weeks instead of 52.

These plans will leave workers, many of whom earn just above the minimum wage and do not receive the London Living Wage, in a precarious financial situation. Many of them live in London and Essex, which are areas with high rent prices and an expensive cost of living.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "This is a case of a rich private school putting profits before people and attacking the lowest paid workers.

"Unite will never stand for our members having a pay cut. They are being treated disgracefully and have our full support during this dispute."

The school claims it has been financially hit by Labour's introduction of VAT on private school fees. Forest School fees cost £10,898 including VAT per term for senior (secondary) school and £8,165 for children in reception.

According to the Charity Commission, it had a total annual income of £39,009,294 for the financial year ending 31 August 2025 while its headteacher earns at least £300,000 a year.

Workers are also calling for Unite to be formally recognised as their union for collective bargaining. Membership surged after the pay cut plans was announced three months ago and membership is growing.

Strikes will start this coming Monday (28 September) to Friday (2 October). It means staff and pupils won't receive meals and areas of the school will not be cleaned.

Unite regional officer Daniel Hoggan said: "Forest School pleads poverty, however it charges thousands of pounds per term and can afford to pay senior staff huge salaries. Expecting workers who are on already low wages to take such a substantial pay cut is completely unfair and the school needs to think again.

"We know parents will be concerned to hear of the strike plans, however it is entirely the fault of Forest School for putting profits over people and attacking its lower paid staff.”

ENDS

Notes to editors

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Email: natasha.wynarczyk@unitetheunion.org