There will be devastating consequences for jobs and the educational provision for children and young people if further deep budget cuts are implemented, teachers at the NASUWT Northern Ireland Annual Conference will hear today.

The Conference being held at the Stormont Hotel, Belfast, will debate the cuts, imposed as a result of Westminster austerity programme.

The proposed cuts of 3.8% which equate to around £72 million will hit the already depleted schools’ budget.

The NASUWT will, as the motion asserts, continue to vigorously oppose any proposed cuts to the Education Budget.

It adds: “The impact of further cuts will have a very damaging impact on the life chances of children and young people, the conditions of service and jobs of teachers and other members of the education workforce.”

Chris Keates, NASUWT General Secretarysaid:

“Schools increasingly will struggle to deliver the level of high-quality education with fewer teachers and education support staff who are the casualties of the cuts.

“Given the importance of education to the long-term economic future it is short-sighted to limit the educational opportunities of children and young people.”

Justin McCamphill, NASUWT National Official Northern Ireland, said:

“The cuts and redundancies are having profound consequences.

“The dedication and commitment of teachers is being stretched to the limit.”