NUT campaigns for better support for supply teachers
Wales’ largest union for qualified teachers has called for more to be done to support teachers accessing work through supply agencies. NUT Cymru says too often teachers are subjected to reduced pay and conditions, which are having an impact on morale and standards in Welsh schools.
NUT Cymru Secretary, David Evans, said:
“One of the issues most frequently raised by our members is the treatment of teachers who work through supply agencies. These individuals are subjected to greatly reduced pay and conditions, even though they have the same qualifications and expertise as members on permanent contracts. It is having a real impact on morale in classrooms across Wales and it is time something was done to address it.
“For most teachers working with supply agencies, it is the only way they can access work. In some areas of Wales, local authorities have strict guidance which forces schools to use agencies and, in some cases, specific supply agencies. This gives a monopoly to private companies which straightjacket members into having to accept poorer conditions of service, or else have no other way of earning a living. Many people find themselves in a position where they rightfully believe they are not being treated fairly, but are afraid that if they come forward with those complaints they will be blacklisted and won’t have the opportunity to work in future.
Outlining what action NUT Cymru is undertaking for the campaign, David Evans, added:
“We know that some supply agencies, as well as paying far less than a teacher should expect to be paid, are also ignoring their obligations under the Agency Workers Regulations 2010. This situation can’t continue without it having a significant and long-lasting impact on the profession in Wales.
“We have written to the Education Minister, as well as politicians from other political parties, to see how we can work together to find a better system in Wales. The Minister, surprisingly, has already declined to meet us to discuss the issue, even though some of his own constituents will be affected. Some local authorities do run their own in-house services which provide schools with easy access to supply teachers, together with fair pay and conditions. We should be celebrating those successful models and seeking to see them replicated across Wales.”
Contact: Owen Hathway, NUT Cymru, Ty Sinnott, 18 Neptune Court, Vanguard Way, Cardiff CF24 5PJ
Tel: 029 20491818. Mob: 07921 146 442
e-mail: cymru.wales@nut.org.uk
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