Ash Field Academy staff plan strike on Wednesday 4 November over dismissal

Families with children at Ash Field Academy in Evington face another staff walkout on Wednesday 4 November. UNISON members plan to strike for the 16th day this year, with the sole demand that dismissed teaching assistant and union representative Tom Barker gets his job back, according to Leicester Mercury.

The action at the special educational needs school comes amid concerns about its effect on pupils. A member of staff who had not joined this year’s strikes previously told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “The strikes are taking such a toll on the children. Children are suffering.”

Union challenges dismissal

Mr Barker is also pursuing an individual appeal against his dismissal. He was suspended in October 2025, days after helping organise industrial action over staffing levels, and was dismissed in October this year following an 11-month suspension.

The process involved three investigations, seven interviews and a hearing lasting 15 hours in total.

UNISON says Mr Barker was victimised because of his involvement in the earlier strike ballot. Sam Randfield, secretary of the union’s Leicester city branch, said the union believed the allegations were made in bad faith and that the evidence did not justify dismissal. He accused the trust of trying to punish members for challenging workforce cuts.

Trust denies penalising union activity

Discovery Schools Academy Trust, which runs Ash Field, denies penalising employees for union activity. A trust spokesperson said: “Discovery Schools Academy Trust is unable to comment on confidential employment matters.”

Trade union members and supporters from across Leicester are expected to join the picket line.

Source: Leicester Mercury