States must reject attacks on public sector workers

Amendments tabled to the Budget which propose to halt any opportunity for pay progression for new public sector workers in Guernsey and delete any posts that remain unfilled for more than six months will have damaging and lasting consequences for children, young people and teachers.

NASUWT - The Teachers' Union is calling on the States to reject these amendments in the vote expected today on the Budget.

Dr Patrick Roach, NASUWT General Secretary, said:

"This proposal seeks to take a wrecking ball to the terms and conditions of teachers which will plunge education in Guernsey into a crisis on a par not seen anywhere else in the British Isles.

"These proposals will do irrevocable damage to the pay and conditions of teachers, undermine recruitment and retention into the profession and damage children's education.

"The system of incremental progression is designed to support teacher retention. The proposals to remove incremental progression will result in more teachers voting with their feet and leaving the profession.

"NASUWT urges the States to take the opportunity to reject these proposals."