Cut to teachers’ union time

The Department for Education (DfE) has joined in the attack on paid time off for trade union duties. It has started consulting on how facility time can be cut for teacher union reps, saying it should be limited in schools to make “the most efficient use of taxpayers’ money.”

The DfE says the government should set a maximum cut of the pay bill that can be spent on facility time in schools.

However, head teachers say the unions save the taxpayer money by preventing conflicts and by promoting development.

National Association of Head Teachers general secretary Russell Hobby said: “Many head teachers will tell you that they maintain constructive relationships with the unions and find them a helpful source of feedback on policies and the views of teachers.”

www.gov.uk/government/news/trade-union-facility-time-in-schools-under-review

www.gov.uk/government/consultations/trade-union-facility-time-in-schools-review

www.naht.org.uk/welcome/news-and-media/key-topics/governance/good-use-of-trade-union-facility-time-can-save-taxpayer-money-and-help-pupils-says-naht