RESEARCH released by Unison today reveals cash-strapped school support staff are using their own money to help pay for pupils’ food and clothing.

The public service union said its UK-wide survey of more than 13,000 school workers revealed that staff including teaching assistants, caterers and cleaners are buying food, clothes and stationery for hard-up pupils.

More than a third of respondents said they have helped with food or packed lunches and uniforms, while one in five have contributed to books and stationery.