Commenting on the proposed introduction of MSLs in education,
Dr Patrick Roach, General Secretary of NASUWT – the
Teachers’ Union, says:
“NASUWT will not stand by whilst this Government continues its
campaign of bullying teachers into silence.
“Unions are united in condemning the proposed introduction of
politically motivated MSLs in education. The Government continues
to ignore the fact that it is impossible to secure minimum
service entitlements for pupils in an education system so
neglected and underfunded, instead opting to aggressively quash
criticism with this inflammatory policy. The Government is once
again demonstrating its contempt for teachers, at a time when
they should be listening to the concerns of the profession and
facing up to the crisis in recruitment and retention they have
created.
“Ministers have put forward no compelling justification for MSLs
in schools and colleges. Rather than continue discussions on
scope for reaching a voluntary agreement with unions, the
Government has pulled the rug. We have always been willing to
work with the Government, but Ministers in the DfE must come to
the table willing to engage, and with the authority to reach
agreement. It has become increasingly clear that the Education
Secretary does not have that authority.
“Today’s announcement is a shameless and politically-motivated
attack from an out-of-touch Government on a beleaguered and
demoralised profession who day after day, continue to deliver for
our children and young people, despite mounting costs to their
own mental and physical health.”
