Commenting after the passing of motion 15 at NEU Annual Conference, Daniel Kebede, General Secretary of the National Education Union, said:
“Workload is consistently reported as the key reason teachers and leaders are leaving the profession. It has reached unprecedented levels in our schools and colleges. As the Department for Education’s own survey of teachers shows, the profession is working more hours than ever before.
“High workload and the high intensity of the work is driving education staff out of the profession, contributing to the recruitment and retention crisis in the sector.
“In the NEU’s latest State of Education survey two in five said their workload was ‘unmanageable’ and a further 37% said ‘only just manageable’.
“The steps that the Department for Education has taken towards reducing teacher workload are not sufficient. Most of the drivers of excessive workload can be traced back to the ill thought out and unnecessary initiatives and policies of Government. Lack of school funding leading to cuts in staff and resources, alongside punitive inspection measures, are taking their toll on the profession, causing high levels of stress and an extremely unhealthy work/life balance that leaves little time for any sort of life outside of work.
“Any government serious about teacher workload and wellbeing should listen to NEU members and reform the punitive accountability regime, stopping the practices it drives in data, planning and marking. Such sensible measures, including guaranteeing PPA time and reinstating guidance to limit time spent on cover, will reduce teacher workload to more manageable levels, increase morale, improve teacher professionalism and aid retention.
“The Government should also fully resource and fund the final recommendations of the Workload Reduction Taskforce, including funding to restore essential family support services that have disappeared or diminished after years of austerity – all of which contribute heavily to the workload of our members. The NEU will continue putting pressure on the Government to live up to its commitments to reduce workload and working hours – and, if necessary, we will intensify our campaign to achieve the reductions needed.”