Scottish Secondary Teachers' Association

Member Bulletin – 04 February 2025

Deadline Passed and COSLA has Failed to Act

Reduction in Teacher Contact Time (90 minutes) 
 
The SSTA and the other teacher unions gave notice to the employers that the SNCT Teachers’ Side would move to a formal trade dispute if no proposal to introduce a reduction in teacher class contact time was received by Monday 3 February. The deadline has passed and the SNCT Teachers’ Side will be meeting on Friday to move the dispute forward.
 
The Scottish Government committed to a reduction in teacher class contact time from 22.5 hours to 21 hours and presented a proposal to the employers last week. The COSLA Council Leaders met on 31 January to agree the proposal but have failed to act to reduce teacher workload.
 
The reduction in teacher class contact time is seen as a recognition of the demanding work that teachers undertake and a boost in encouraging teachers to remain in the profession. This latest delay in a long-protracted struggle with the employers just reinforces the view that the employers do not value their teachers enough to protect their health and wellbeing.
 

Behaviour Action Plan Webinar – Thursday 6 February, 5.00pm – Online

Poor pupil behaviour is a major driver of stress and increased workload and the SSTA has continued to press the Scottish Government for a unified approach to support teachers in meeting the needs of pupils. The Scottish Government produced a ‘Behaviour Action Plan’ and this event gives an overview of the plan and the way forward.


Pre-Retirement Seminars

These seminars are for members who are considering retirement in the next few years and seeking further information. Stuart McCullough an Independent Financial Advisor, and an expert on the Teachers’ Pension scheme will be presenting the seminars.

 Please follow the links above to reserve your place.

 
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