WORKING conditions for teachers in Jersey could mean a shortage of staff in future.
Jersey’s teachers are overworked and could find themselves underpaid if their latest pay offer goes ahead, according to the Association of Teachers and Lecturers.
This will mean people will not be attracted to the Island to teach and those without housing qualifications may be forced to leave.The concerns were raised following a visit by the chairman of the regional officials of ATL to the Island last week.
Geoff Scargill said that while the UK could learn from some elements of the education service provided in Jersey the Island was behind the UK in other areas.He said: ‘I was very surprised to find teachers still do not have a proper lunch hour in Jersey as they still have to do lunch duty.
That battle was fought and won in the UK years ago.’There has been a great deal of concern on the mainland about the working conditions of teachers due to hours and stress.
This is being addressed, although it is early days, and there is a growing emphasis on teachers not being required to do duties.
This is not the case in the Island and, while we are clearly aware you have your own concerns, working conditions and salaries need to be borne in mind in future.’
Article posted on 29th March, 2004 - 12.00am
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