NASUWT comments on spring statement

Commenting on the Chancellor’s Spring Statement, Dr Patrick Roach, General Secretary of the NASUWT-The Teachers’ Union, said:

“Our members were looking to the Chancellor today to signal he recognises and is prepared to take the necessary measures to help alleviate the growing financial pressures they are facing.

“While the announcements about fuel duty and National Insurance will offer some modest assistance, our members are still facing a deepening crisis in making ends meet and there was little in today’s statement that will offer them much comfort or reassurance.

“Our most recent research shows that two thirds of teachers are ‘somewhat worried’ about their financial situation and 22% are ‘very worried’.

“Over half of teachers reported having to cut back their expenditure on food during 2021, with some having to resort to using food banks or other forms of charitable assistance. Four in ten reported having to cut back their expenditure on essential household items and 12% have taken a second job.

“With inflation now rising at its fastest level in 30 years, teachers need a pay award for 2022/23 which will both meet the current cost of living pressures and which will begin to tackle the 19% real-terms erosion of their salaries they have endured since 2010.

“The Chancellor claimed the Government will stand by families over the cost of living. For too long teachers have been abandoned by this Government, with a failure to invest in them or provide working conditions which support their wellbeing or work/life balance.

“The decision on the forthcoming pay award will be the litmus test of whether there is any reality behind the Chancellor’s rhetoric.”