More than 1,000 striking school support staff to rally at Westminster

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The GMB members employed at schools in Merton and Greenwich are losing up to £1,400 a year because they receive the Outer London rate, while teachers in the same schools receive the higher Inner London rate.

GMB regional secretary Nadine Houghton said: “This is an historic underpayment that our members are owed.

“As a dedicated school support staff union, it is non-negotiable to us that our members be treated equally with teachers in the self-same schools and receive Inner London weighting.

“Since both local authorities are pleading poverty and burying their heads in the sand, our members have voted not only to take action but also to take their message to parliament.”

The councils have been contacted for comment.