Responding to a new report revealing that 91% of Northern Ireland teachers experience moderate to high work related burnout, with 46% considering leaving the profession, Ulster Unionist Party Leader and Education spokesperson Jon Burrows MLA said:

“These figures are deeply troubling but, sadly, not surprising having engaged with many teachers up and down the country. Teachers and classroom assistants are being asked to do more with less, and the stress and burnout levels are significant. We have the best teachers we could ask for, but they need better support, and classroom assistants in particular deserve better pay and professional accreditation. Many teachers and classroom assistants increasingly work with children with additional needs and it is important for both the pupil and teaching staff that there is the corresponding increase in training and resources.

“The pace of change and the sheer volume of consultations landing on schools is dizzying. Change is necessary, but it must be implemented with sufficient time for proper consultation and adjustment. I have already raised in committee the issue of the Education Authority sending masses of information to principals every week, and I am writing to the EA again to press for this to be properly streamlined.

“These pressures are further compounded by insufficient substitute teacher availability and ongoing problems with the NISTR IT system for accessing cover staff. We cannot have a serious conversation about tackling burnout without addressing the bureaucratic burdens and broken infrastructure that are making an already difficult job unsustainable.”