NASUWT COMMENTS ON THE DfE TEACHERS WORKING LONGER REVIEW

Commenting on the publication of the DfE Interim Teachers Working Longer Review, Chris Keates, General Secretary of the NASUWT, the largest teachers’ union in the UK, said:

“The findings of this interim report clearly echo the arguments we have been making to Government for a considerable time, namely that a lack of effective local management and consideration of flexible working arrangements is driving highly skilled teachers out of the profession far too early.

“This trend not only damages the education of children and young people by denying them access to experienced and knowledgeable teachers, but also forces a premature end to the careers of many teachers well before pensionable age.

“Where other industries nurture their most experienced employees by accommodating and being mindful of pressures which issues such as having caring responsibilities for children, grandchildren or elderly parents can bring, this is clearly not the case in teaching.

“Research undertaken for the NASUWT indicates that, instead of being valued, older teachers are experiencing bullying and discrimination and are being driven out of the profession.

“In the midst of an accelerating teacher recruitment and retention crisis, it is clear from this report that schools cannot afford not to value and support older teachers.”