SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood has urged the British government to address the longstanding pay dispute affecting teachers and school leaders in Northern Ireland.
SDLP South Belfast MP Claire Hanna has tabled an Early Day Motion in the House of Commons highlighting the critical need for immediate action to protect education for children and young people in the North.
Said the Foyle MP: “Our teachers in Northern Ireland have endured a real-terms 25% pay decrease over the past decade, leading to recruitment challenges and a persistent shortage of teachers, with many leaving in search of greater opportunities.
“This, along with a substantial pay gap compared to teaching counterparts in Britain and the Republic, severely impacts the morale of our teachers. Teachers are contacting my office daily, exhausted and underappreciated. This can’t continue.
“In the absence of an Executive, the British government must promptly address these issues to ensure our teachers are properly paid for their jobs and feel valued.
“We cannot keep asking our teaching staff to above and beyond without recognising the dedication and sacrifices they make in educating our young people.
“The underfunding of education budgets is also having a profound impact on our schools, resulting in collapsed support services for children with special educational needs, the removal of counselling services and the scrapping of holiday hunger payments.
“The British government must also act to ensure our education system is fit for purpose and to ensure that every child gets the education they deserve.
“I’m calling on the British government to secure a fair pay settlement for our teachers to properly recognise the critical role they play in shaping our children’s futures.
“The SDLP is unwavering in advocating for the rights of teachers and pupils, and I will continue to campaign for action on these critical issues,” added Mr Eastwood.
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