Commenting on the Independent Welsh Pay Review Body (IWPRB)’s report on teachers’ pay and conditions, and the Welsh Government’s acceptance of its recommendations, Urtha Felda, Senior Professional Officer (Cymru), said:
“Teachers in Wales are underpaid, undervalued and overworked. Today’s announcement is just another blow for a demoralised profession.
“For too long, teachers have been experiencing a real-terms pay cut, as their pay has not kept up with rising costs.
“Wales’ teachers have also been burdened with significant increases in workload and bureaucracy, piling on the stress.
“They need more planning, preparation and assessment (PPA) time, and more time for training and development.
“These issues must be tackled by the review board and the Welsh Government if we are to keep experienced teachers in the profession and recruit the new teachers our schools need.
“It’s very disappointing that the £30,000 starting salary won’t be achieved until 2023. This will come as a huge blow to the profession.
“This doesn’t just affect teachers – it affects children’s education, too.
“Parents will soon notice when their child’s favourite teacher leaves the profession they love because they can’t afford to make ends meet anymore.
“Our education professionals – and our children – deserve better. It’s time teachers and headteachers got the decent pay rise they deserve. Sadly, today’s report and government response have failed to deliver that.”
In its Written Submission to the Independent Welsh Pay Review Body and Supplementary Evidence to the IWPRB, Community called for a 10% pay award, as well an increase in PPA time to 20%.
Further information (Welsh Government)
Independent Welsh Pay Review Body: fourth report 2022
School Teachers’ Pay & Conditions (Wales) Document
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