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

WORKLOAD DEMANDS ON WELSH TEACHERS
Teachers are one of two professions most likely to work overtime.

Recently, the Trade Union Congress found that teachers are one of two professions most likely to work overtime.

This has sparked a debate in the media around teachers' workload and the hours that they work, for example in a letter to the TES Cymru last week.

The TUC's findings on the hours worked by teachers correlate with Teacher Support Cymru's experiences. Workload – and the resulting need to work far more hours than contracted – frequently surface as issues for many of the teachers that use our Support Line and Online Support services.

In particular, we know that many teachers struggle to maintain a health work-life balance because of the demands made upon them during term time. In a recent survey 78 per cent of teachers said that an excessive workload contributed to the common mental health problems – such as stress, anxiety and depression – that had their route in the workplace.

As MR Toothill's letter acknowledges, for many teachers the school holidays are now dominated by preparations for the new term, ensuring that over the course of a year, teachers' workloads grossly exceed that of most other professionals.

Efforts by government and schools to reduce the workload of teachers are very welcome. Nevertheless our experiences show that the workload of many teachers across Wales has a detrimental effect on both their emotional health and ability to teach. We hope that our work – and the TUC's report – help highlight the need to reduce the ‘long hours' culture that exists in many schools, and helps inform positive and open conversations at a governmental and school level that highlight the benefits of manageable teacher workload to both the health of individuals and standards of education in Wales.

If you are experiencing issues with workload, or for some extra support with any issue, call our free confidential Support Line on 08000 855 088. Lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

These factsheets from our InfoCentre may also be of interest:

• Tips for managing your time and workload
• Scale and impact of working extra hours and overtime
• Time management - tips for great time management