NASUWT Cymru, the largest teachers’ union in Wales, has called for an end to the continued exploitation of supply teachers by umbrella companies and supply agencies.

The call came during a motion that was debated at today’s Annual Conference of NASUWT Cymru.

Chris Keates, General Secretary of the NASUWT, said:

“Supply teachers provide a vital resource to schools but all too often they are being exploited, often by unscrupulous supply agencies and umbrella companies.

“This privatisation of supply cover has led to depreciation in both pay and terms and conditions for supply teachers.

“Rates of pay are often poor, and there is rarely any provision for pension or other benefits, which would otherwise be stipulated in teachers’ conditions of service.

“Supply teaching is, by its very nature, often an isolating job, but the conditions facing supply teachers are leading to increased levels of stress and a drop in morale. 

“The NASUWT will be keeping a close eye on the Welsh Government’s preferred supply agency established through the National Procurement Service and the approach of local authorities and schools to the use of this agency.”

Moving the motion, NASUWT National Executive Member, Jane Setchfield said:

“Local Authority supply lists have gone, and supply teachers are being exploited and marketed like a commodity.

“In order to secure employment and therefore protect their livelihoods, our members are accepting appalling levels of pay and poor conditions

“Agencies often ask people to sign a clause which effectively means signing away your right to be paid an equivalent amount as another worker after 12 weeks, as per the Agency Workers Regulation.

“I firmly believe that it is in the gift of the Welsh Government to address our concerns regarding the treatment of supply teachers working in Wales."