From the Teacher Support Network, www.teachersupport.info.

TEACHERS THREATEN INDUSTRIAL ACTION OVER BULLYING AND WORKLOAD

Teachers are threatening industrial action at 20 schools in Sheffield in protest against bullying and workload.

The National Union of Teachers (NUT) has called for the city's Education Chief to intervene and are hoping to join forces with the NASUWT to take action against a "culture of fear" and "insane pressures" in some schools, The Star reports.

"Our concerns include excessive workloads caused by endless new initiatives, a culture of fear and a breakdown of trust in some schools," Toby Mallinson, Joint Divisional Secretary for Sheffield NUT stated. "It is not all down to the heads, there is huge pressure on them too and that comes from the very top, the Government. We saw an example just last week with moves to make the dismissal of teachers easier. There is very little that is positive coming our way."

Mr Mallinson also said that the NUT's concern was focused on a "breakdown of trust within schools, along with excessive workloads caused by new initiatives".

He commented: "It is always about next year's results, it all contributes to widescale turnovers of staff which are highly damaging to children's education. Too many teachers are also being made ill and forced out of jobs they once loved because of the oppressive regimes at many of our schools."

NASUWT has also raised concerns about teacher workload and has proposed industrial action if changes are not made.

Dr Sharp, the Council's Executive Director for Children, Young People and Families, said: "We have a long history of working positively with the unions and hold regular meetings with them to address any concerns they may have. Like the schools, our priority is the city's children. We recognise headteachers often have a difficult job to do in sometimes complex situations and they do have to take it seriously."

"Some things do need to change as it is important for schools to deliver good results for children and parents. Therefore we encourage an approach of respect and co-operation from all involved, parents, pupils or teachers, to try to resolve any difficulties."

The 2011 teaching union conferences highlighted the issue of teacher bullying in the workplace. NASUWT reported that one in three teachers has been a victim of bullying, whilst the Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL) revealed that 50 per cent of those who had been bullied said it was by a senior member of staff.

Teacher Support Network's Group Chief Executive, Julian Stanley commented at the time: "It is tragic that so many teachers still suffer from bullying and some even choose to leave the profession as a result. It's terrible for them and it's a terrible loss for the education sector."

"With so much changing in the education system, there is a danger that leadership teams and colleagues can put each other under undue pressure that can sometimes lead to incidents of bullying. When under pressure it has to be remembered that the most effective way to create change is to offer clear guidance and support and to take the time to communicate what is desired in a calm and rational manner."

If you feel you have been a victim of workplace bullying, contact your union.

If you are concerned about your workload, or are dealing with the emotional fallout of workplace bullying, call our free, confidential Support Line on 08000 562 561 (England) or 08000 855 088 (Wales).

Have you been a victim of bullying? Do you know a colleague, manager or pupil who has been intimidated or harassed at school? Share your story here. You can be as anonymous as you like.

Alternatively, try these factsheets:

• Tips for managing your time and workload
• Work-Life Balance for School Leaders
• Stress
• Dealing with difficult people