NUT: Call for Welsh Government commitment support for supply teachers
Wales’ largest union for qualified teachers has called on the Welsh Government to commit to a policy change supporting supply teachers. NUT Cymru says there has to be a clear future for individuals when they qualify as teachers. The Union is arguing for a clear strategy that provides a guaranteed offer of work for 12 months for all newly qualified teachers (NQTs) in a maintained school when individuals achieve qualified teacher status.
NUT Cymru Secretary, David Evans, said:
“The way supply agencies are operating is causing huge problems for teachers and schools. NQTs, who are in their first year of teaching after qualifying, often struggle to get work and end up being held over a barrel by agencies. Many suffer far lower pay and conditions than their qualifications deserve, not to mention an inability to access pensions or training. They cannot oppose the system as it’s the only way they can access work to complete their induction period. It sadly leads to some enthusiastic and promising young teachers simply leaving the profession.
“What we are proposing is that the Welsh Government delivers a very positive policy that will guarantee an offer of work for 12 months in a maintained school for individuals to complete their induction. This will reduce class sizes and help to raise standards whille in the process reducing the reliance on supply agencies amongst new practitioners. This is a policy the Welsh Government can bring into action relatively quickly which will have a noticeable impact on the profession.”
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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