CATERING staff at a secondary school spoke of their disappointment as they are to lose out on a month’s pay because of changing salary arrangements.

On April 1, the catering staff at Belfairs Academy, in Highlands Boulevard, Leigh, which is part of the Legra Academy Trust, were transferred from direct employment by the school to an outsourcing company.

The company pay on a different timetable to the school, which means that staff will not receive a pay packet from March 26 until May 14.

An open letter, signed by the 12 members of staff, reads: “Some of us literally face the prospect of not being able to pay our bills as our monthly salary is completely committed to paying rent, direct debits and so on. It is no help to us that we will eventually receive payment from Vertas for all days worked as this will not catch up until we left employment with them. We have been offered a loan from Vertas for only half of the shortfall which has to be repaid within a year but this leaves the other half uncovered.

“We seem to be getting no support from the Legra Trust in making up this gap. Instead we remain unsupported by them.”

A spokesman for the Legra Academy Trust said: “A new catering contract has been put in place to provide an improved menu for students attending the Academy.

“Catering staff have been fully consulted throughout the process which has been conducted under TUPE guidance.

“Trustees will meet with affected staff next week to discuss their concerns regarding this issue.”