NUT urges its reps to get paid time off

Just 7% of National Union of Teachers reps receive any paid time off to carry out their trade union activities, according to a report carried out for the union by the Labour Research Department. This figure falls to 4% among primary school reps.

The survey also found that the reps see their most important roles as communication, representation of members and giving advice and support.

NUT assistant secretary Arthur Jarman said the issue of time off was key, as reps are "the backbone of the union".

The union is urging reps who don't receive time off to contact their local secretary so that they can find out about any locally negotiated agreement.