Emergency measures needed to stop teachers quitting, say Lib Dems
The Liberal Democrats are calling for urgent government intervention to address teacher burnout and retention issues in England. Their survey suggests that nearly half of teachers are considering leaving the profession due to excessive workloads and lack of support.
Why it matters
Teacher retention is a critical policy issue that directly impacts the quality of education and the stability of the school system.
Image source, PA Media Image caption, The Lib Dems say schools are approaching an "existential crisis" in teacher retention
Burnt out teachers urgently need better working hours and more support to stop them leaving the profession, the Liberal Democrats say, as the new term approaches.
Nearly half of the teachers surveyed by the party in England said they were planning to quit the classroom in the next five years, with many saying they felt overworked and stressed.
The Lib Dems are urging new Education Secretary Lucy Powell to fully fund teachers' pay, rather than raiding school budgets to cover increases, and to bring in limits on overtime.
The Department for Education said last year saw the lowest rate of teachers leaving the profession since 2010 but acknowledged there was "more to do".
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