Ancillary staff in schools should be paid their full salaries – Education Ministry

School managements have been reminded that all ancillary staff, such as typists, gardeners, cleaners, librarians, handymen and bursars should be paid their full salaries.

This is after the Ministry for Education received complaints that the management of some schools have been refusing to pay their ancillary staff since schools were closed due to the recent COVID-19 outbreak.

Education Minister Rosy Akbar says ancillary staff are paid from the Free Education Grant and they should continue to receive their salaries, despite schools being closed.

She says it is unfortunate to see this level of insensitivity being shown towards the needs of these staff, especially during a time like this, when many people are facing tremendous hardships.

The Minister adds that it should be noted that these ancillary staff, who are fully paid, do not qualify for the FNPF assistance.

The Ministry of Education is also requesting heads of schools who need ancillary staff to carry out work during this extended closure to liaise with their staff to report for a few days to complete work, as required.

Akbar is urging the school management to be more thoughtful and understanding of the difficulties that their staff must be facing.

She says across the world, millions of people are struggling financially due to the COVID-19 pandemic and we all need to work together in solidarity.

The Minister stressed we should show the Fijian spirit and assist those who need our support during these extraordinary times and it has never been more necessary than now.