Amended Motion 34
Workload & Wellbeing
“That this Congress notes that excessive workload has a huge impact on health, safety and wellbeing and, for teachers, undermines their ability to teach effectively.
“Congress further notes that: four in every five teachers say that their workload and the stress of the job have increased; over half of teachers say that their job has negatively affected their physical health in the last twelve months; and four in five say their job has adversely affected their mental health.
“Congress is deeply concerned that two thirds of teachers tell us that they are seriously considering leaving the profession.
“Congress agrees that government has a responsibility to intervene, and schools have a duty to take action to safeguard the health, safety and welfare of their staff.
“Congress therefore calls on the STUC General Council to:
- support the NASUWT Better Deal for Teachers and the EIS Stand Up for Quality Education campaigns and lobby government to protect and increase teacher numbers in Scotland, as promised and to ensure that teaching remains a rewarding, secure and respected profession;
- promote data from affiliates showing teachers in Scotland work substantially in excess of their contracted 35 hour working week and support affiliate campaigns to minimise bureaucracy in education;
- promote to government the benefits of teaching staff having access to regular, structured, professional support as part of their working conditions;
- lobby governments to secure enhanced funding commitments to education and public services; and
- maintain pressure on Scottish Government to provide sufficient funds to cut teachers’ contact hours to 21 hours per week, with this time dedicated solely to ‘preparation and correction’, and to provide sufficient funding to allow local authorities to make adequate and efficient provision for the appropriate support required for each child or young person with additional support needs.”
Mover: NASUWT
Seconder: Educational Institute of Scotland
RSS