Speaking as the 'Further Education - key driver of the Northern Ireland Economy’ Conference gets underway, the NASUWT, the largest teachers’ union in Northern Ireland warned of the growing crisis facing the FE sector in Northern Ireland.

Chris Keates, NASUWT General Secretary said:

“Staff are being hit hard by attacks on their pay and pensions, ever growing workload and detrimental contract changes.

“It is neither acceptable nor feasible for the workforce to take the full weight of the cuts in Further Education.

“These cuts are causing real and lasting harm to the young people who rely upon the opportunities provided by Further Education to improve their life-chances.

“The Department for Employment and Learning must work with the Northern Ireland Executive to deliver a plan for Further Education that invests in our young people and invests in the economic future of Northern Ireland.”

NASUWT National Official Northern Ireland Justin McCamphill said:

“Is it any wonder that so many members of the education workforce are lining up to leave through the departmental Voluntary-Exit-Scheme given the attacks on their pay and conditions.

“If the plans come to fruition the Further Education workforce will reduce by 12% over the next five years.

“The NASUWT has been campaigning on behalf of the workforce and challenging employers and the Department for Employment and Learning to cease placig the burden on the workforce.

“The NASUWT will continue to take any necessary and appropriate action to protect staff and to secure provision for young people.”