COMMENTING on the ‘Inquiry into Supply Teaching’ report by the Welsh Children, Young People and Education Committee, Chris Keates, General Secretary of the NASUWT, the largest teachers’ union in Wales, said: “The NASUWT broadly welcomes the thrust of the Inquiry into Supply Teaching Report, in particular the recommendation regarding a new model for the employment of supply teachers.
“ This has the potential to make a positive difference for supply teachers, learners and the wider workforce in Wales.
“However, the lack of recognition in this new model to ensure supply teachers are paid in accordance with pay and conditions of their colleagues in schools, and are afforded the same pension rights through the Teachers’ Pension Service, is disappointing and a missed opportunity.
“These are fundamental issues which must be addressed, otherwise supply teachers will continue to be exploited by supply agencies in Wales. A two tier workforce will continue to operate, treating supply teachers, who are an important resource for schools, as second class.
“The NASUWT will continue to champion supply teachers and press the Education Minister to ensure that supply teachers are given a far better deal in Wales.”
Rex Phillips, NASUWT National Official Wales, said: “The NASUWT recognises the work of the Children, Young People and Education Committee in producing this report and that the recommendations are generally helpful.
“There are, however, areas of the recommendations that require further clarification.
“Whereas, it is encouraging to see the recommendations on the provision of CPD for supply teachers, it remains unclear whether the responsibility for paying for this training will fall to the supply teachers themselves. This would be unacceptable.
“In addition, there seems to be some confusion in the report surrounding the use of the ‘Swedish Derogation Clause’ which is used by some supply agencies to get around the Agency Workers Regulations.
“The clause means that supply teachers are effectively signing away their rights to be paid an equivalent amount as another workers after 12 weeks of a long-term placement.
“It is a matter of great concern and regret that the supply agency recently awarded a three-year contract as a single service provider in Wales, through the National Procurement Service, makes use of this approach. The NASUWT will continue to challenge this poor and exploitative practice.”
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