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NUT: Supply system forcing good teachers out of the profession

NUT: Supply system forcing good teachers out of the profession

The practices of supply agencies are forcing good teachers out of the profession, Wales’ leading teaching union has warned.  NUT Cymru says that the way agencies treat their staff, as well as the unequal pay and conditions supply teachers face, are making it impossible for individuals to stay in the system.

Neil Foden, NUT Wales Executive, said;

“At both ends of the career spectrum quality teachers are being lost to the system. Experienced teachers, with a lot to offer schools, choose to retire as they are not prepared to work under the conditions imposed by supply agencies.  At the same time, enthusiastic and innovative teachers at the start of their careers may opt to work as teaching assistants if they cannot access work, or fair pay rates, through agencies.

"Good quality supply cover is essential to the running of a school but being forced to seek work through an agency at low rates of pay and no associated benefits such as pension opportunities is demoralising and is having a serious impact on the retention of quality staff in the system.

"We need the Welsh Government, working with councils, to ensure accessible, open and up-to-date in-house supply lists to be made available to schools.  This has to be matched with proper funding.  Funding for schools to be able to afford supply at fair pay rates and funding for Local Authorities to properly manage supply systems.  Ultimately, this will greatly improve standards and dramatically increase morale.”

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