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/go/rss/int/news/-/news/uk-northern-ireland-13724004
The article has changed 3 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
Union warning over teachers' redundancies | Union warning over teachers' redundancies |
(about 2 hours later) | |
A teachers' union has warned of pressure on the education system because of redundancies at schools across Northern Ireland. | A teachers' union has warned of pressure on the education system because of redundancies at schools across Northern Ireland. |
Provisional figures compiled by the BBC show that 314 teachers are taking redundancy deals. | Provisional figures compiled by the BBC show that 314 teachers are taking redundancy deals. |
The vast majority are going voluntarily and there is a generous severance deal. | The vast majority are going voluntarily and there is a generous severance deal. |
Mark Langhammer from the Association of Teachers and Lecturers said that class sizes would go up and there would be schools closures and amalgamations. | Mark Langhammer from the Association of Teachers and Lecturers said that class sizes would go up and there would be schools closures and amalgamations. |
"We will undoubtedly be fighting battles about the intensification of teacher workloads," he said. | "We will undoubtedly be fighting battles about the intensification of teacher workloads," he said. |
As well as the teacher redundancies, 163 classroom assistant posts are expected to be cut. | As well as the teacher redundancies, 163 classroom assistant posts are expected to be cut. |
'Challenging budget settlement' | |
Schools have blamed the move on budget cutbacks. | Schools have blamed the move on budget cutbacks. |
"Many of our very well qualified teachers coming out of Stranmillis and St Mary's and other institutions will find it more difficult to get a job," Mr Langhammer added. | "Many of our very well qualified teachers coming out of Stranmillis and St Mary's and other institutions will find it more difficult to get a job," Mr Langhammer added. |
"Only one in five at present do so." | "Only one in five at present do so." |
Education minister John O'Dowd said that the number of redundancies had falled dramatically in recent years. | |
"Nevertheless, the issues we face in dealing with a challenging budget settlement will include the management of the workforce," he added. | |
"Particularly given the fact that almost 80% of expenditure in education is on staffing costs. | |
"For my part, I will continue to ensure our resources are targeted where they are most needed, the classroom." |