Systemic discrimination is denying progress towards a more diverse teaching profession

Commenting on the NFER’s report Ethnic Diversity in the Teaching Workforce, Dr Patrick Roach, NASUWT General Secretary, said: 

“The findings should be a reminder to the Government that greater action is needed to tackle the causes and effects of racial discrimination in the teaching profession.

“Black teachers still face barriers to pay and career progression, as well as covert and overt racial discrimination throughout their careers.

“Research by the NASUWT has also found that Black teachers are paid less than their white colleagues, are more likely to be employed in temporary posts, less likely to be promoted and are more likely to be disciplined or dismissed from their jobs.

“All teachers deserve to be treated fairly, and with respect and dignity at work.

“The Government could and should be taking immediate action to tackle racialised inequalities, but Ministers have shown their true colours by failing to do so.

“We will continue to argue strongly in support of concerted action to tackle the race pay gap in teaching by requiring school and college employers to publish this data annually. If the Government was serious, it would act to introduce this requirement immediately.

“Systemic racial discrimination is holding back the talent and dedication of teachers and is also denying progress on ensuring that the teaching profession is inclusive and diverse.

“Employers and the Government cannot continue to afford to ignore or disregard the wealth of talent that exists.

“Greater urgency is needed to advance equality, diversity and inclusion in our schools. Taking action would also contribute significantly to ending the teacher recruitment and retention crisis which the Government has so far failed to fix.”