CONTROVERSIAL proposals to axe vital staff roles across 38 schools have been shelved.

The Ormiston Academies Trust, which sponsors Burnham’s Ormiston Rivers Academy, has decided against the cuts, which union bosses had described as a “safety risk” to pupils.

Unison claimed that the Ormiston Academies Trust wanted to cut staff responsible for doing fire safety checks, fire alarm checks and ensuring escape routes are up to scratch.

But the trust has now decided against the proposals after a month-long consultation.

A trust spokesman said: “We have been pleased with the level of engagement with the consultation we opened last month.

“We were always clear that we wanted to hear the views of all interested parties and that no decisions had been made.

“As a result, we have decided not to proceed with the proposals.

“As a well-run and financially responsible organisation privileged to serve 29,000 pupils, many from disadvantaged backgrounds, we will continue to invest in school improvement, teaching and learning, and our wider team, while being as efficient as ever.”

Unison claimed the trust had also been consulting about cuts to staff who 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, and Unison said the proposals would have seen about 130 jobs lost just before Christmas.

Unison head of education Jon Richards said: “It’s welcome news that the Ormiston trust has listened to staff and unions.

“The proposal to cut back on caretakers and other staff would have had a terrible impact on the health and safety of pupils and staff.

“We will continue to work with Ormiston to improve services without affecting children’s education by cutting jobs and resources.

“This decision sends a clear signal to those in government championing cuts and centralisation of support staff that the risks to pupils simply aren’t acceptable.”