The trade unions are failing our children
The decision to threaten strike action in schools is irresponsible given all that young people have suffered
After three years of sacrifices made by young people, it has been fantastic to see students sitting down to do their exams this summer, in person. Everyone’s hard work is paying off, and once again young people are getting the chance to show what they have learnt and are capable of. But as we near the final weeks of exams season, I am deeply concerned that we’re once again in a situation where factors outside of our control are piling undue stress onto our children, at what is always an anxious time.
The rail strikes which have hit the country over the past week are punishing millions of people, affecting Glastonbury-goers, commuters, and NHS patients. After the taxpayer pumped £16 billion, roughly £600 per household, into keeping the railways going during the pandemic, the abject failure of union bosses to accept vital modernisation and reform is costing ordinary people.
The good news is that schools have tried and tested systems in place to support their pupils through this, and the vast majority of students aged between 11 and 16 do not rely on trains to get to school or college. But I know there are some students, especially those taking A-levels, T-levels or other post-16 qualifications, who do. They are having to find alternative transport to get them to school or college. Others have had to stay with a friend. Even those who drive or take the bus will face busier roads just so they can take their exams. This is totally unacceptable.
Parents are already doing more than their bit to tackle this issue, whether that’s by making alternative travel arrangements, car sharing, or putting up their children’s friends. Schools, too, can use existing flexibilities to make sure children do not miss out. If an invigilator is delayed, the start of the exam can be delayed, or alternative invigilators used. If a student is late because of traffic, schools should do all they can to let them sit their exam, and exam boards will take their personal circumstances into account, to avoid unfairly wasting painstaking preparations.
I know how much effort students and teachers have put in to get to this point, and to get back on track following the disruption of the pandemic. That’s what makes the further threats of strike action we’ve seen this week from education union leaders, hot on the heels of their counterparts in rail, so disappointing. It is absolutely right that we should recognise the tireless work of our public sector workers and we’ve proposed the biggest pay award for new teachers in a generation – 16.7 per cent over the next two years – with further increases for more experienced teachers and leaders, and we will continue to consider reasonable and proportionate advice on pay increases from independent pay review bodies.
The National Education Union, though, is calling for increases above inflation. Our teachers continue to be everyday heroes, and it’s right they are recognised, but pegging wages to inflation – with a war in Europe and supply chains recovering post-covid – is irresponsible.
The inflation we’re seeing now will abate. And in the meantime, the Chancellor has put an extensive package of support in place to help with the cost of living, totalling £37 billion this year alone, which means almost all of the most vulnerable 8 million households will receive support of at least £1,200. I am looking forward to receiving the recommendations from our independent body on teacher pay, and as always they will inform the decisions we take. But the decision by unions to threaten strike action is wrong. Our young people have suffered more disruption than any generation that’s gone before them, and to compound that now, as recovery is in full swing and families are thinking about their next big step following school or college, would be unforgiveable and unfair.
As a father, I know the anxiety and worry these disruptions are causing and will cause, and it is a crying shame that we are at this point. Strike action must always be the last resort. Especially at a time when we should be pulling together as a nation. So I want to join teachers and parents in celebrating the achievements of our children and congratulating them on their hard work during this final push towards the summer holidays. I want to wish anyone doing their exams the very best of luck.