TA’s likely to be cut due to budget concerns
The proportion of senior leaders predicting cuts to teaching assistant roles has risen sharply since last year due to budget cuts. The survey run by Teacher Tapp and reported in tes magazine indicates that:
- 50% of headteachers in the most deprived quartile of schools said they will have to reduce spending on TA’s including those providing SEND
- Two in five teachers in the most deprived schools expect their school to cut spending on small group tutoring or interventions, and school trips of other enrichment activities in the next year
- 55% of headteachers said their school would have to cut spending on building or equipment maintenance
- Two in five at all schools said they would have to cut spending on resources such as textbooks over the next year.
Government underspends on school infrastructure
The National Education Union (NEU) reports that the Department for Education (DfE) underspent its capital expenditure limit by over £1 billion in 2022-23 and £900 million in 2021-22 despite crumbling infrastructure in many schools. This unspent money, originally earmarked for building and maintenance work, could have been redistributed to schools via the Devolved Formula Capital (DFC) scheme.
Education unions, including the NEU and the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), argue that this funding should be kept for its intended purpose. They highlight the urgent need for investment in school infrastructure, with many buildings in disrepair.
Union leaders stress that schools are best placed to allocate these funds effectively, ensuring tangible improvements for pupils, staff, and communities. They call for future governments to ensure adequate and timely funding for school maintenance.
Global teacher shortage sparks international recruitment battle
A dramatic shortage of teachers worldwide is intensifying competition among countries, with the UK actively recruiting from Jamaica, Ghana, and South Africa. The UNESCO taskforce reports that an additional 44 million teachers will be needed globally by 2030.
England's teacher recruitment crisis has led to innovative strategies, including a £10,000 relocation premium for overseas teachers and expanding the Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) scheme. Despite these efforts, the Department for Education is set to miss its recruitment target for the 11th time in 12 years. UK-trained teachers are being lured abroad by lucrative packages, exacerbating the domestic shortage.
Schools must act to achieve net zero carbon emissions
The UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) reports that schools are responsible for 36% of public sector emissions and must take urgent steps to reduce this to help the UK meet its net zero ambitions.
It wants schools to:
- Implement energy-efficient solutions such as double glazing, cavity wall insulation, and LED lighting to reduce energy demand
- Transition from gas boilers to electric heat pumps
- Install rooftop solar panels.
The UKGBC's Whole Life Net Zero Carbon Roadmap and the forthcoming UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard provide detailed guidance to help schools and colleges reduce their carbon emissions.
Record number of children with special needs
The number of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in the UK has reached a record high, according to new figures. In 2023, councils issued 84,428 Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), a 26.6% increase from the previous year. As of January 2024, there are 575,963 children and young people with an EHCP.
The Local Government Association wants the SEND system to be reformed and wants more children to be educated in mainstream schools to reduce costs.
Private school pupil numbers rise despite VAT concerns
New figures reveal an increase in the number of children attending private schools in England, despite concerns that Labour's proposed VAT on school fees would deter families. According to the Department for Education, pupil numbers in independent schools rose to 593,486 in January, up from 591,954 the previous year.
The Independent Schools Council (ISC) had warned that the looming VAT could impact enrolment, citing recent school closures. However, the data also shows that 12 new independent schools have opened, bringing the total to 2421.
Home Office updates right to work guidance
The Home Office has recently revised its Employer’s guide to right to work checks which makes significant changes to the steps employers need to take as follows:
- The requirement for follow-up checks on individuals with pre-settled status (PSS) has been removed. Employers who conducted initial checks correctly are shielded from civil penalties provided they do not knowingly employ someone who doesn’t have the right to work
- Additional details have been provided regarding the shift to a fully digital immigration system. Notably, Biometric Residence Permit holders with a 31 December 2024 expiry date do not require follow-up checks until their leave expires
- Asylum claimant application registration card (ARC) holders granted work permission before 3 April 2024 are limited to jobs on the former Shortage Occupation List, while those granted permission from that date must adhere to the new Immigration Salary List.
Skills gap warning in England
A recent study by the National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER) has warned that England could face a significant skills gap in the workforce by 2035. The report, entitled "The Skills Imperative 2035: Rethinking Skills Gaps and Solutions," predicts that up to seven million workers may lack the essential employment skills (EES) necessary for their jobs.
Key findings:
- The proportion of workers with substantial EES deficiencies is expected to rise from 13% in 2023 to 22% by 2035
- An estimated 90% of the 2.2 million new jobs created between 2020 and 2035 will be in professional fields, demanding higher EES proficiency
- Without an increase in skills supply, skills gaps are likely to become more prevalent and problematic.
The NFER wants the government to play a more active role in supporting educational and training providers and to incentivise employer investment in developing the workforce of the future.
New legislation makes some non-disclosure agreements void
The UK has enacted the Victims and Prisoners Act 2024, which received Royal Assent on 24 May 2024. This legislation invalidates any provisions in an agreement that restricts victims of criminal conduct from disclosing pertinent information about what has happened to them, to law enforcement, legal professionals, regulated service providers, and certain family members.
The government will need to introduce regulations to bring into force the section relevant to DNAs in the employment context.
New report links hybrid working with wellbeing
A new study conducted by the International Workplace Group (IWG) reveals that offering hybrid working, boosts employees’ happiness and health and increases productivity – at least according to employees.
Key findings:
- The majority of participants said that they felt less drained, stressed, and anxious
- They reported improvements in their sleep, being able to exercise and eat more healthily
- Three-quarters said that going into an office full-time would negatively impact their wellbeing
- About 74% said that hybrid working meant that they were more productive and 76% said it increased their motivation.
The research aligns with other studies, suggesting that hybrid working can reduce staff turnover, particularly among women, non-managers, and those with long commutes. It also indicates that flexible working arrangements play an important role in attracting younger employees and mitigating labour shortages.
Workplace menstruation provisions need to improve
A recent study conducted by Heriot-Watt University has highlighted the persistent cultural taboo surrounding menstruation in the workplace. The research revealed that women face particular problems when they are menstruating, including not being able to easily access toilets and washing facilities.
The study examined the concerns of women, such as lab workers, who wear white uniforms and worry about leaking blood during their periods. The lack of menstrual support in the workplace contributed to women feeling isolated, impacted on their concentration, diminished their productivity, and negatively impacted their mental health and career choices.
The study calls on employers to help support employees by:
- Educating line managers on menstrual health
- Implementing menstrual health education programmes and policies to eliminate barriers
- Providing hygiene products in all toilet facilities.
Irwin Mitchell has a suite of online modules for managers to help them to understand medical conditions that impact women. It includes information and guidance on menstruation, menopause, pregnancy and other conditions. Please contact Gordon Rodham for more information.
Read more – July 2024
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