Consultations would be held with staff and unions if it was decided to change job terms and conditions for some education support officers in schools.

That’s the pledge from Education Minister Graham Cregeen. In Tynwald last month he revealed that required qualifications for ESOs who work in an administrative role were being reviewed to see if they should include maths and English and also whether they should switch from Education Department employees to the public services commission.

He told the House of Keys last week: ’If the decision is made, which involves changes to terms and conditions for this group of staff, then the department will consult with them and their unions through the joint negotiating committee.’