NUT News 21

Just when you thought it couldn't get worse, it's got worse

This year has brought so far:

• A pay cut: Due to increases in national insurance contributions, teachers` pay was reduced this year.
• Redundancies: Teachers are threatened with redundancy because of the funding crisis caused by not enough government money going to education.
• Job losses: The ongoing funding problems will mean fewer teachers and support staff jobs.
• Cancellation of school improvements: Desperately needed improvements to school buildings will be cancelled because of the funding crisis:
• Changes, to let anybody teach: The Government's remodelling agenda erodes teachers` professional status.

Now, on PENSIONS!

The Government wants to raise the minimum age at which teachers can draw an unreduced pension from 60 to 65. This will affect all new entrants after 2006. Teachers currently in service are also likely to be affected, particularly those in their 40s. The effect will be lowered morale, worsening health, increased absence and shortened lifespan. It will make teaching even less attractive.

General Secretary, Doug McAvoy, said: "The NUT will oppose this worsening of teachers' conditions as it has opposed other government policies that have been bad for teachers, children and education. Teachers will be outraged at this further attack on them. What price now,'education, education, education'? The Government faces a profession angrier than ever before. If it persists, it could see schools closed in protest across England and Wales."

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