Term-time staff nearer to settling pay dispute

Alengthy pay dispute over the payment of term-time school staff in Northern Ireland during school holidays is edging closer to a settlement. A comprehensive package put forward before Christmas by management of the Province's five Education and Library Boards was greeted by NIPSA, the union representing most of the 5,000 classroom assistants, secretaries and technicians, as being 'a step forward'. However, the union is currently seeking clarification of several issues before putting the proposals to its members for a vote.