School forced to fire teachers and staff after energy bills soared more than 300%
A SCHOOL has been forced to fire teachers and staff after their energy bills soared more than 300 per cent.
St John's Green Primary School, in Colchester, is struggling to cope with rising costs and have been forced to let people go.
A shocking increase has seen their yearly bills go from £36,000 to £119,000.
They are expected to then jump again to £155,000 by next year.
School bosses have said the decision is with "huge regret" but they have no other choice.
Headteacher Simon Billings said "something has to give" to ensure they can cope.
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He told the : "It is an absolute tragedy and a horrible situation for our school to be in – it will have ramifications across every department.
"Even having prudent financial management does not matter when you are facing these types of rising bills.";
The stressed out head said the lack of funding from the government hasn't helped matters.
He said: “I appreciate how cross and angry many people are with regards to this and the lack of funding that has brought about our current circumstances.
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"But, as it stands, I cannot make the situation better."
It comes after thousands of teachers up and down the country recently took part in strikes over pay.
The industrial action affected around 23,000 schools at the start of the month.
Many showed up at picket lines in a bid to secure an increase in their wages.