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NASUWT: Survey reveals teachers bullying epidemic in schools

NASUWT: Survey reveals teachers bullying epidemic in schools

Over two-thirds of teachers have experienced or witnessed workplace bullying in the last 12 months and one in five teachers have left their job because of bullying from colleagues or managers, a new survey from the NASUWT, the largest teachers’ union, has revealed.

Over 3,000 teachers responded to the online survey, which uncovers the worrying prevalence of bullying, harassment and abuse against teachers from other school staff.

The findings have been released to coincide with the NASUWT’s Annual Conference, which is being held in Birmingham.

Other findings from the survey include:

Over a quarter of teachers said that workplace bullying by other staff members in their school happened frequently.
80% of those who bully are in line-management or leadership roles in schools.
Three-quarters of teachers who have been bullied are female.
Heads of departments are equally likely to be bullied as they are to bully others, reflecting their ‘squeezed’ position between senior managers and those they manage.
Over half of teachers who had been bullied say they experienced persistent, unjustified criticism and 45% reported intimidatory use of discipline and competence procedures against them.

Chris Keates, General Secretary of the NASUWT, said:

“These disturbing findings reveal the appalling and unacceptable treatment of teachers in the workplace.

“The consequences of bullying on an individual’s wellbeing and health are devastating. Loss of confidence, dread of going to work and sleepless nights are just some of the effects. Teachers’ family life is also being damaged.

“Teachers, like all other workers, have a right to be treated with dignity at work.

“Unfortunately the culture of macho management and punitive accountability created by this Government is enabling bullying to flourish.

“One of the first acts of the Coalition was to abandon plans to record all incidents of bullying of staff and pupils.

“Concern for the health and welfare of the workforce is not high on the Coalition’s list of priorities. Indeed, it doesn’t seem to appear at all.”


ENDS

NASUWT Press Office contacts:
Lena Davies 07867 392 746
Ben Padley 07785 463 119

Notes to editors
The NASUWT’s Annual Conference is being held at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Birmingham from April 6th to the 9th.

A copy of the survey on workplace bullying is attached.