PAT  WELCOMES STRB REPORT

6 February 2007

The Professional Association of Teachers (PAT) has welcomed the  report of the School Teachers' Review Body (STRB) published today ( 6 February 2007).  The independent union has also given its reaction to the response by the DfES.

PAT Principal Professional Officer (Pay & Conditions) Deborah Simpson said: “The STRB's recommendations move the pay agenda forward in terms of transparency and equity for all teachers.

"We especially welcome the recommendation that the pay and conditions of part-time teachers are standardised and included in the document. At a time when numbers of part-time teachers are increasing, this is an area which has been too long neglected. We hear from our members the many problems which arise because of lack of standardisation. This will be good news for them.

"Our members in Wales will  be relieved at the decision to maintain the conditions of the School Teachers' Pay and Conditions Document for them."

Commenting on the DfES's response, Deborah Simpson said:  "We are pleased that the Secretary of State seems to have taken on board the STRB's key recommendations in order to meet the needs of the teaching profession for enhanced recruitment, retention and career progression."