The Cork Life Centre has revealed that it has lost eight teachers over the Summer as it waits for the Education Minister to honour her commitment to examine the payment of teachers at the Centre.
The Centre in Sunday’s Well provides an ‘alternative learning environment’ to marginalised young people aged between 12 and 18.
The centre has long been in talks with the Department of Education over funding and the payment of teachers, many who are working co-operation hours and as a result are paid part time rates by the Department with no pension rights or access to an incremental pay rise.
Speaking to RedFM News, Director of the Centre Don O'Leary says many staff found themselves unable to secure mortgages forcing them to look for more secure employment:
"Deputy Paudie O'Sullivan asked the Minister in the Dáil about the Cork Life Centre and about pay for the staff, and the Minister's response has me confused, and actually looks like a U-turn. We have gone from knowing that the staff would be looked at and the pay structure looked at, to telling us that they will look at pay and funding coming to the centre after the rollout is finished. That rollout will close the Cork Life Centre."
