Supply teachers continue to face discrimination

In response to the publication today, 16 December, of a report into supply teaching, UCAC education union is calling on the Welsh Government to take urgent action to tackle the unfair conditions faced by supply teachers.

Elaine Edwards, UCAC’s General Secretary said “UCAC welcomes the Committee’s acknowledgement that the current supply system is not working effectively - for the teachers concerned, or for the pupils. This has been the case for several years already, and the situation is deteriorating.

 

“Supply teachers suffer unfair conditions in relation to almost every aspect of their employment - low pay, no job security, no holiday or sick pay, almost no training and no pension contributions. To all intents and purposes they are at the mercy of the private supply agencies who are interested in one thing only: securing a profit at the expense of our education system.

 

“The effects of this system on newly qualified teachers are shocking, with many leaving the profession without ever having had the chance to work under acceptable conditions.

 

“UCAC agrees with the Committee’s recommendation that the Welsh Government should start planning a new system immediately – we need a model which gives supply teachers access to national teachers’ pay and conditions. This is a matter of fundamental fairness, and a necessary step to ensure high educational standards.”

 

For futher information contact Rebecca Williams on 01970 639 950 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.