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As ‘workload challenge’ survey closes, union offers advice to DfE on tackling working hours

Trade unions Staff wellbeing
As the Department for Education’s “workload challenge” came to an end last week, an education union sent a seven-page letter to the secretary of state outlining immediate policy changes it says will tackle the workload crisis.

The workload challenge was launched by secretary of state Nicky Morgan in recognition of the high number of hours being worked by the profession.

In March, the DfE’s workload survey revealed that secondary school teachers are working an average of more than 55 hours a week, while headteachers are putting in more than 63.

At the same time, the Work Your Proper Hours Day campaign shows that 54 per cent of teachers are now working unpaid overtime – the most of any profession – with those working overtime putting in an average of 12 hours extra a week.

The workload challenge is Ms Morgan’s response to this, seen by many as an attempt to appease the profession in the run-up to next year’s General Election.

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