This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-36459081

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Teachers back industrial action on workload in SSTA ballot Teachers back industrial action on workload in SSTA ballot
(about 9 hours later)
A majority of teachers taking part in a ballot about their workload have said they would back industrial action on the issue.A majority of teachers taking part in a ballot about their workload have said they would back industrial action on the issue.
The indicative ballot of its 8,000 members by the Scottish Secondary Teachers' Association (SSTA) found 91% supported action short of a strike.The indicative ballot of its 8,000 members by the Scottish Secondary Teachers' Association (SSTA) found 91% supported action short of a strike.
A majority, 64%, said they would take strike action if necessary.A majority, 64%, said they would take strike action if necessary.
Education secretary John Swinney has said he will reduce teacher workload to improve attainment in schools. Education Secretary John Swinney has said he will reduce teacher workload to improve attainment in schools.
The union said concerns about workload reflected the introduction of new school qualifications.The union said concerns about workload reflected the introduction of new school qualifications.
SSTA general secretary Seamus Searson said: "The ballot clearly shows that members are unhappy with the current proposals."SSTA general secretary Seamus Searson said: "The ballot clearly shows that members are unhappy with the current proposals."
'Over-bureaucratic arrangements''Over-bureaucratic arrangements'
Other findings from the ballot included:Other findings from the ballot included:
Mr Searson added: "Teachers have insufficient time to carry out the over-bureaucratic arrangements set out by the SQA.Mr Searson added: "Teachers have insufficient time to carry out the over-bureaucratic arrangements set out by the SQA.
"The SSTA is requesting that the new cabinet secretary John Swinney, together with local authorities as the employers of teachers, take control of the situation and impose limits on teacher time being spent on such activities that are taking teachers away from teaching and learning.""The SSTA is requesting that the new cabinet secretary John Swinney, together with local authorities as the employers of teachers, take control of the situation and impose limits on teacher time being spent on such activities that are taking teachers away from teaching and learning."
The education secretary has spoken about his concerns over teacher workload.The education secretary has spoken about his concerns over teacher workload.
Addressing MSPs shortly after his appointment, Mr Swinney said: "Closing the attainment gap and improving attainment across education in Scotland - in other words the pursuit of equity and excellence - will be the driving purpose of my tenure as education secretary.Addressing MSPs shortly after his appointment, Mr Swinney said: "Closing the attainment gap and improving attainment across education in Scotland - in other words the pursuit of equity and excellence - will be the driving purpose of my tenure as education secretary.
"One of the significant concerns I have heard is about teacher workload as a consequence of change within the education system."One of the significant concerns I have heard is about teacher workload as a consequence of change within the education system.
"I am going to act today to reduce that workload as my first step to improving the performance of Scotland's schools.""I am going to act today to reduce that workload as my first step to improving the performance of Scotland's schools."