NUT: MPs called to support teachers against pay attacks
NUT Cymru, Wales’ largest teaching union, has written to every MP in Wales following proposals to change the national pay conditions of its members. The Union argues that changes proposed by the Government would have a detrimental impact on education services, narrow the curriculum and lead to real difficulty in attracting and retaining high-calibre individuals to the profession.
NUT Cymru Secretary, David Evans, said:
“These plans will have serious implications, not just for teachers, but for parents and students. By linking pay to the appraisal system, the Westminster Government is essentially putting in place the ability to ensure the real term pay cut teachers have already been enduring over past years, is continued indefinitely. Performance is a subjective issue and it is incredibly naive to suggest that an individual’s evaluation should determine the pay structure of teachers. This will inevitably lead to teachers being compelled to narrow the curriculum, concentrate solely on students in specific grade categories, and teach to the test whilst ignoring all emotional and social education.
“The educational impact and that on morale will be profound and should not be underestimated. This is a major risk to the education system as we know it. The way teaching as a profession has been undermined and attacked will make it increasingly difficult to attract new, high calibre and enthusiastic candidates to the role.
“We have written to all MPs in Wales to find out exactly where they stand on this issue, so our members know how they are being represented. Teachers have already faced real term cuts to their pay; increased pension contributions; increased length of service, and decreased pension payments. They will simply not accept further attacks on their pay and conditions and it is important to take that message to MPs seeking re-election in the future.”
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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