THE safety of staff and pupils at a Burnham school could be at risk if plans to axe vital staff roles are given the go-ahead, union bosses have claimed.

Unison says the Ormiston Academy Trust wants to cut staff responsible for doing fire safety checks, fire alarm checks, and ensuring escape routes are up to scratch.

It says the staff also carry out regular building checks to make sure they are safe and free of hazardous materials, such as asbestos.

The trust sponsors 38 academies nationwide, including Ormiston Rivers in Burnham.

Unison says more than 130 posts are at threat nationally.

Spokesman Tracey Sparkes said: “Employees crucial to the smooth running of schools are being pushed out of their jobs so a trust, which paid its chief executive £184,160 in 2018, can save on the salaries of caretakers, maintenance workers and ICT staff.

“Time and time again we’ve seen large organisations impose cost-cutting measures that sound good in the boardroom, but in the real world lead to poor services, low morale, unemployment and safety risks.

“Ormiston must halt its plans now and set aside a more realistic amount of time to consult with unions about a plan that affects workers, pupils and parents in Essex.

“That’s the very least it can do.”

Unison claims the trust could leave affected staff redundant just before Christmas.

Ormiston Academy Trust denies its proposals will put safety at risk.

A spokesman said: “Our Transforming Our Trust programme will enable us to do even more and make an even bigger positive difference to pupils, both inside and outside the classroom.

“As a financially responsible charity, which is absolutely committed to serving its pupils, we have opened a consultation on the current staffing and operational structures so that they are as efficient as possible while ensuring that the 29,000 children we support continue to receive the best possible educational opportunities.

“The process to date has, of course, included provision for the most robust health and safety standards going forward – nothing is more important than ensuring health and safety is of the highest standard, and that will remain the case.

“It is irresponsible and entirely wrong to even suggest we would compromise on this.

“No decisions on the future structure have been made because we are still in a consultation period with our staff and trade unions, and we are very keen to hear the views of all interested parties – but we are very clear that any redundancies will be nowhere near what has been quoted.”