UCAC's Workload Roadshow: Update
24 November 2014
UCAC's Workload Roadshow: Update
UCAC's Workload Roadshow has already visited a number of counties with meetings taking place this week in south Gwynedd, Pembrokeshire, Neath Port Talbot, Swansea, Denbighshire, Cardiff, Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly and Cardiff. The numbers attending the meetings have confirmed the strong feelings that our members have had enough of the intense workload thrust upon them.
The Workload Survey completed by our members clearly shows that maintaining a work life balance is impossible in the context of the ever-increasing expectations upon them. This is having a detrimental effect on morale, well being, health and on relationships with family members.
Strong feelings were shared in the meetings that the situation is not sustainable and that local authorities, regional consortia and the Governments at Cardiff and Westminster need to act as a matter of urgency to address the situation.
Amongst the concerns have been onerous planning, unreasonable marking expectations and an emphasis on data that is incompatible with teacher expectations to maintain and raise standards. There is a strong feeling that the workload implications of every new initiative must be considered.
UCAC's field officers have appreciated the opportunity to meet so many members and to hear the concerns that will inform our discussions with politicians and education officials over the coming weeks and months.