Our teachers work world’s longest hours
Cancer survivor swims English Channel four times non-stop
TEACHERS in England work the longest hours in the world, a study claims.
One in four put in more than 60 a week, 12 above the limit in the European Working Time Directive.
Teachers did 49-hour weeks in 2018 on average, compared with the 41-hour average for Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development member nations.
And four in 10 usually work in the evening – and 10% at weekends.
Lead author Professor John Jerrim, of University College London, said: “Bolder plans are needed by Government to show they are serious about reducing working hours for teachers.” Sarah eating chocs after her challenge American has survived breast cancer A CANCER survivor has become the first person to swim across the English Channel four times non-stop.
Sarah Thomas said she felt “really tired” and “stunned” after completing the epic challenge in a little over 54 hours.
The 37-year-old set off from Dover just after midnight on Sunday. She completed her fourth lap of the channel 54 hours and 13 minutes later finishing at 6.30am yesterday, after 133 miles of swimming.
On completing the extraordinary feat, she was handed some M&Ms and a glass of champagne. Her achievement, described by supporters as “mindblowing”, comes just a year after she completed treatment for breast cancer.
American Sarah, who lives in Colorado, was diagnosed with breast cancer less than two years ago. She dedicated the swim to “all the survivors out there”.
Afterwards, she said she felt stunned and numb, adding: “I’m really tired, and I’m losing my voice from the saltwater, it hurts your throat, mouth and tongue.”
She praised her support team for helping her stay strong and said she was “very prepared” for the weather, currents and cold water.
Sarah kept herself fuelled with electrolyte and caffeine-filled drinks as she navigated past “a lot of jellyfish”.
Elaine Howley, of Sarah’s support team, said the swimmer had returned to her accommodation near Folkestone, Kent, with her family for a rest.
Describing her friend’s achievement, she said: “It’s unfathomable, superhuman it’s just extraordinary.”