Teaching union seeks improved ‘working hours’

A teaching union has stated that educators in Guernsey are exiting the profession due to dissatisfaction with their jobs, specifically concerning remuneration and employment conditions. The National Association of Schoolmasters Union of Women Teachers (NASUWT) confirmed it is engaged in discussions with the States of Guernsey to negotiate modifications to “terms and working conditions” aimed at resolving issues with retaining staff. This development coincides with findings from a survey, supported by the States and Trade Unions, which indicates that 50% of teachers in state-operated secondary schools would advise against entering the profession. Deputy Andrea Dudley-Owen, president of the Committee for Education, Sport & Culture, acknowledged that there is “more to be done” and stated that the 2024 survey would serve as a basis for implementing future enhancements. Wayne Bates, the national negotiating official for NASUWT, indicated that the union is advocating for better terms for teachers, specifically including working hours, prior to the upcoming academic year. These proposed alterations aim to tackle the growing workloads and student behavioural challenges encountered by educators. Mr. Bates commented: “When you look at some of the responses to the recent survey it does paint quite a bleak picture of people’s perceptions of working in the education system.” He added: “The churn of staff isn’t normal or healthy – it’s actually people leaving the profession because they don’t want to be here anymore.” He further stated: “We have started some work with the education department and the States to see how we address this.” Mr. Bates also mentioned that distinct discussions regarding remuneration are underway with the Policy and Resources Committee. Dudley-Owen stated: “We have to support our staff as much as we possibly can to be the best they can be.” She continued: “The governance process adds a lot of value to that, in allowing senior leaders to be reflective about what goes on in their schools about how they support their staff and what wider initiatives need to be put in place by the education office.”