A CONCERNED councillor has said schools having to axe staff due to being unable to afford soaring energy bills is “a gross failure of modern civilised society”.

Sam McLean is a Labour Colchester councillor for the New Town and Christ Church ward, in which St John’s Green Primary School is located.

The institution has just entered a “potential redundancy situation” in response to the impact monumental utility costs will have on the school’s budget.

READ MORE: Colchester St John's Green Primary School to make staff redundant

Mr Mclean said: “A school having to cut staff to cover cost of energy whilst energy companies take home record profits is a gross failure of modern civilised society.

“A national crisis should never be allowed to harm the education of our children and should never be allowed stunt their chances to reach their full potential.

“Local school pupils are already suffering the consequences of underfunding, where schools can’t afford to pay a living wage for teachers unless severe cuts are made.

“I and the community I represent want assurance our children have a bright future ahead of them, but fewer and fewer have any faith in the Conservative Government. 

“They have had 13 years and ten education secretaries, but have made zero progress.”