Teachers in the East could lose their jobs if schools aren't supported with rising energy bills
The warning comes as pupils head back for another year, in less than a week
Last updated 31st Aug 2022
Some teachers in the East could lose their jobs if schools don't get support with rising energy bills, this autumn and beyond- according to a local trade union.
The warning comes as pupils head back for another year, in less than a week- with the energy price cap rising to over £3,500 in October and fears inflation could peak at over 20%, later in the year.
"Schools won't be able to deliver a wide range of subjects"
Keith Anderson is our regional organiser for the NASUWT.
"The lights are going to have to stay on and the rooms are going to have to still be heated, so that ultimately means they are going to have to find money to be able to pay for the electricity and gas to run the schools and where they are going to find that? If the government isn't prepared to put in additional resources into schools then they are going to have to look at ways of cutting costs and that could be reductions in staff".
"That means larger class-sizes, that means potentially more disruption, reducing the curriculum and that schools won't be able to deliver a wide range of subjects- if they don't have the staff to deliver it".
"We have seen in the last decade that spending on schools has fallen by 9% per pupil, in real terms and more than 25% in real terms for sixth forms, that's hit them hard as it is. Then when you are facing a 200% increase in fuel- where are they going to find the money for that, at this rate?"
"They don't have that additional disposable income"
He told us that their members can't escape the cost of living crisis:
"Our members are being hit twice. Not only are they being hit at work, they are also being hit in their own lives- because they have got to find the money to heat and light their own homes. Teachers have faced a 25% cut in their salary over the last ten years, they don't have that additional disposable income".
"I have heard of teachers who are struggling because of the cost of putting fuel in their car. Our members work a lot at home into the evenings, as well- so that means they are going to have to face that additional expense as well".
What have the current Government said on this?
A Department for Education spokesperson said:
“We recognise that schools and families are facing increased costs due to the unprecedented recent rise in inflation, which is why we are providing over £37 billion to help households with the greatest need, and supporting families with essentials such as food and utility bills through the Household Support Fund.
“This financial year alone, core school funding is rising by £4bn compared to last year, a 7 per cent cash terms per pupil increase."