Press Release

NASUWT warns of 'trojan horse' reforms

21 May 2009

The NASUWT, the largest teachers' union in Wales and the UK, will today (Thursday) warn delegates at the Wales Trades Union Congress, being held in Llandudno, of the dangers of the Welsh Assembly Government's (WAG) proposals for the reform of 14-19 education.

Moving the motion, Suzanne Nantcurvis, NASUWT National Executive Member, will say:

"Education is not a product, not a job and not about money. It is a process and if we get it right, a never ending enriching experience. These plans promise local services for local people, but the provincial approach may limit rather than enhance choice.

"While the NASUWT agrees that collaboration and partnership between schools, local authorities and further education institutions is the most effective way of delivering the local area curricular, the Union believes there is a real threat to the pay and conditions of service of teachers.

"The NASUWT is concerned that the gains from the National Agreement will be lost to teachers as a result of the changes and they will be expected to work to the same conditions as college lecturers."

Chris Keates, General Secretary of the NASUWT, said:

"The NASUWT delegates to the Wales TUC are right to raise this issue across the whole of the trade union movement.

"The proposals from the WAG have far reaching implications, not only for the conditions of service of teachers and lecturers, but for the provision of the balance of academic and vocational courses. This is critical to providing young people with the skills they need to contribute to the economic recovery and long term future of Wales."

Rex Phillips, NASUWT Wales Organiser, said:

"We have been encouraged by the recent decision of the WAG to look specifically at college governance and welcome the opportunity to contribute to the discussions with a view to restoring democratic accountability within the system."