Teachers gather for the largest UK teachers’ union conference
Teachers from across the UK will be gathering in Birmingham at the Annual Conference of the NASUWT, the largest teachers’ union in the UK, over the Easter weekend to debate motions for which members from across the UK have voted.
The motions include issues such as inspection, unqualified teachers, the impact of financial hardship on children and young people and the abuse of social media.
Pensions, pay and the health and wellbeing of teachers will also be high on the agenda.
The impact of government policy on children and young people will be a major concern for Conference representatives and the Conference will provide the opportunity to confirm the Union’s intention to continue standing up for standards in defence of our world-class public education system.
Over the course of the weekend, the NASUWT will be issuing reports on the cost of education and financial hardship faced by families. A food bank has been organised in the Conference exhibition area to which representatives will be contributing and which at the close of Conference will be shared with West Midlands charities.
Chris Keates, General Secretary of the NASUWT, said:
“With four years of relentless assault on public education and the teaching profession behind us and a General Election in sight, this Conference will be the opportunity to send a strong message to parents, the public and politicians about the impact of four years of the Coalition Government’s education policies.
“And it is a sorry record.
“Resignations from the profession are at an all-time high and teacher morale is at an all-time low.
“We are witnessing record levels of youth unemployment, child poverty and homelessness.
“Holding the Conference at the Birmingham ICC will provide us with the opportunity to engage directly with the public over the Easter weekend and raise awareness of the fact that our public education service is not safe in the hands of the Coalition.”
NASUWT Press Office contacts:
Ben Padley 07785 463 119
Lena Davies 07867 392 746
Amanda Williamson 07741 246 202
Notes to editors
The NASUWT’s Annual Conference is being held at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Birmingham from 18-21 April.
A copy of the Conference Agenda is attached and there will be a range of activities taking place in the exhibition area.
Tristram Hunt, Shadow Secretary of State for Education, will be addressing Conference on Saturday morning, touring the Exhibition and giving a joint press conference with the NASUWT General Secretary, Chris Keates.
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