New research from NASUWT – The Teachers’ Union reveals stark problems for the recruitment, retention and financial wellbeing of teachers – an issue of concern to all political parties as they prepare for the General Election.

10,500 teachers from across the UK responded to NASUWT’s Big Question Survey over May and June this year. It found:

• 82% of teachers do not believe that teaching is competitive with other professions in terms of pay and rewards on offer
• 76% of teachers do not believe they are paid fairly for their levels of skill and experience
• 78% of teachers believe potential recruits are put off the profession due to pay
• 82% of teachers are worried about their finances, with 65% describing themselves as “somewhat worried,” and 17% as “very worried”
• In the past year, 58% of teachers felt they could no longer build savings, 53% have had to cut down expenditure on food, 23% have increased their use of credit and loans, and 12% have had to take a second job.

The NASUWT is calling for the establishment of a National Commission on teachers’ pay and for the next government to commit to a new deal for teachers.

Dr Patrick Roach, General Secretary of NASUWT, said:

“Over the last fourteen years, teachers have seen the value of their pay fall in real terms by as much as 30% whilst their workloads and working hours have continued to increase. It’s no surprise that the current government’s record of failure has left the majority of teachers feeling undervalued and seriously considering quitting the job.

“Tackling the teacher recruitment and retention crisis must be a first order priority for the next Government.

“For more than a decade, whilst the current Government has said it is committed to tackling excessive teacher workload, workload pressures and working hours have increased year after year. With evidence of teachers undertaking the most unpaid overtime of any profession, our members will want to see real change from whichever party forms the next Government.

“Boosting teachers’ pay and tackling excessive workload and working hours are key to solving the recruitment and retention crisis. It’s not rocket science.

“Stopping the exodus of teachers leaving from the profession will require a new government that will deliver a new deal to put teachers first.”