Petition · past parliament · Department for Education

Ban zero hour/term-time only contracts for teaching assistants

Closed 33 signatures

What the petition asks

I think zero hour and term-time only contracts should be prohibited for teaching assistants. Fair employment legislation is needed to protect the rights for classroom assistants across the education system. All contracts should include paid annual leave.
With the rise in children with special educational needs, we believe classroom assistants are an essential part of education, offering specialised educational support on a one to one basis or a small group. Some teaching assistant contracts are being offered on a part-time only basis, with only term time hours paid around minimum wage. This can mean low wages across the year and can contribute to a poorer standard of living.

Timeline

29 Apr 2024 Petition opened for signatures
29 May 2024 Closed to new signatures

Key facts

Signatures 33
Status Closed
Department Department for Education
Opened 29 Apr 2024
Closed 29 May 2024

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.