ImmediateRelease 15May 2003
Commenting on CharlesClarkes announcement on schools funding for 2003-4, Doug McAvoy, General Secretary of the National Unionof Teachers, said:
This years quick fixis next years major problem.
His fundingannouncement represents no solution, just a refusal to acknowledge theobvious. The Government has got itssums wrong and schools are suffering as a result.
The choice ofallowing schools to crumble or sacking staff is no choice at all. No-one is fooled by Charles Clarkes bluffof blaming the employers by ordering them to shift funds from one budget headto another. This simply highlights thefact that additional money for schools is needed now.
The Government hasreneged on its promised in the school workforce agreement to provide 1.1bnextra. Removing teachers excessive workload is essential but schools shouldnot be forced into making cuts elsewhere to implement the agreement.
Once again, I amasking for a meeting with Charles Clarke to discuss underfunding in this yearseducation budget and the potentially serious consequences for next year.Schools confidence in the Governments funding this year has been damaged. Hewill have to work hard to restore their faith for next year.
E ND S pr38.03