Teachers' strike: Secondary school staff to vote on industrial action over 'excessive workload'

Secondary teachers in Scotland argue too much of their time is taken up with assessments following the introduction of new qualification regulations

An indicator ballot suggested 91 per cent of respondents were prepared to take industrial action short of a strike, with 64 per cent prepared to strike if necessary (Getty)

High school teachers in Scotland are to hold a ballot on industrial action over their increasingly “excessive” workloads.

The Scottish Secondary Teachers' Association (SSTA), Scotland’s second largest union, confirmed the vote will take place between 14 and 30 September.

Another teaching union, the EIS, began a partial work to rule in June, after new qualifications brought in signalled an increase in workload for members.

The decision comes despite reassurance from Scottish Education Secretary John Swinney, who told teachers the government is “absolutely committed” to addressing the issue.

On Monday, he issued new “streamlined” guidance on the Curriculum for Excellence to schools on the Curriculum for Excellence, which he said was designed to cut down on bureaucracy.

Seamus Searson, SSTA general secretary, welcomed Mr Swinney’s effort but said action to reduce strain on teachers was not being taken fast enough.

He said: “The SSTA wishes to acknowledge and welcome the Deputy First Minister's determination to de-clutter the work of teachers and allow them to focus on teaching and learning in our battle of 'closing the attainment gap'.

”However, The SSTA view is that teacher workload has and is unlikely to be significantly reduced in the current session, especially in the area of national qualifications and therefore, a formal ballot is necessary to protect its members.

“The SSTA asks for the intervention of the minister to work with local authorities the employers and SQA to refocus teachers on teaching and learning asks for urgent action to tackle excessive teacher workload.”

Euan Duncan, SSTA president, added: “Much of a teacher's time is now taken up with SQA assessments and verification of assessments within their school and local area.

”Should any teacher decide to keep their working week within the 'working time agreement', the reality is that they would be unable to develop the necessary resources for learning and teaching.“

In an indicator ballot of the SSTA’s members taken out before the school summer break, 91 per cent of respondents said they were prepared take industrial action short of strike action, with 64 per cent prepared to take strike action if necessary.

A Scottish government spokesman said: ”Given that we are taking steps to address the issues, industrial action by teachers would not be in the interests of anyone, least of all children and parents.

“The issues and concerns being raised by the teacher unions are being addressed. We have set out the various actions we are taking to tackle bureaucracy and free up teachers to teach, and we are already actively considering further measures.

”We are committed to reducing teacher workload and continued engagement with the profession will play a critical role in making this happen.

“We urge the unions to work with us to ensure our teachers feel supported and empowered to deliver an education system that gives all young people the chance to reach their potential.”