Petition bid over janitor's job

Now parents of pupils at Stephen Craig’s school, Auchinloch Primary, have launched a petition in the hope the decision can be reversed.

A demonstration is also planned for a future date if North Lanarkshire Council continue with their plans - but the cash-strapped council says it has to apply massive cuts.

Claire Loftus, chairperson of Auchinloch Primary School Parent Council told the Herald: “At the moment what we know is that our janitor, will be replaced by a janitor/cleaner who will open and clean the school in the morning and then clean and close the school in the evening, leaving no cover at the school duringthe school day.

“The exact times that a janitor will be at the school and for how long are still to be confirmed.

“We also don’t know if any provisions will be made for emergency or bad weather cover.

“Mr Craig plays an important role in the security and supervision of our children during playground breaks.

“He also ensures the gate at the front of the school is secured. This is especially important due to the proximity of our school to the main road.”

The petition is available to view online at:www.change.org/p/head-of-corprate-services-for-north-lanarkshire-council-and-frances-mcglinchey-auchinloch-primary-school-pta-save-our-janitor and paper copies are available to sign in the shop at Auchinloch and The Golden Pheasant.

A spokesperson for North Lanarkshire Council said: “As a result of disproportionate cuts from to our budget, the council had no choice but to implement £19.5million of savings in 2016/17.

“We are unable to comment on individual employees’ circumstances.

“However, it’s important to stress there will be no compulsory redundancies as part of the savings for 2016/17.”

And he added: “Where posts are removed, we will work with staff to find suitable redeployment opportunities.”

Claire also raised her concerns about the process used by the council. She said: “At present we don’t know the criteria used in selecting our school and are the only primary within the ward to have lost its janitor. “