NASUWT – The Teachers’ Union has today warned that the Government is failing to deliver the change voters demanded in 2024, with austerity continuing to devastate schools, communities, and public services.
Speaking at TUC Congress, NASUWT General Secretary Matt Wrack said:
“In 2024, people voted for change. After 14 years of Conservative-led government - 14 years of austerity, falling wages, and crumbling services - people expected something different. But a year on, they do not see the change they were promised.”
He condemned the continued impact of austerity policies, including the retention of the two-child benefit cap, attacks on pensioners’ winter fuel payments, and unfunded teacher pay awards that force schools to make cuts.
“When teachers win a pay rise, but schools are forced to cut elsewhere to fund it - that is not the end of austerity. It’s the same failed model, repackaged,” Mr Wrack said.
Mr Wrack highlighted to delegates at the gathering in Brighton the growing inequality in the UK, where fewer than 50 families hold more wealth than almost half the population. He added: “For the wealthy - the billionaires, there is a completely different reality - a different country, a different world. Huge profits can be made while the majority struggle.”
Urgent action was required to tackle profiteering in education: “While public services suffer, profiteering continues - in private special needs provision, multi-academy trusts, and supply agencies. Executives and providers are fleecing the system, taking resources from schools, teachers, and students.”
And he called for fair taxation of extreme wealth and investment in infrastructure that rebuilds communities and restores opportunity:
“Taxing assets above £10 million could raise significant resources for public services. In reality, it would only begin to scratch the surface.
“We urgently need investment in public services - and in infrastructure - that rebuilds communities and offers decent jobs.
“Just as investment in transport transforms connectivity, investment in education can transform opportunity. Every child deserves a school that is properly funded, properly staffed, and fit for the future.”
Leading the debate on funding for public services, including ensuring wealth and the highest incomes are taxed more fairly, NASUWT is calling for:
- Fully funded, inflation-proof pay awards for teachers
- Capital investment in school buildings and digital infrastructure
- Urgent action to tackle child poverty and restore dignity to public services
- Regulation of private profiteering in education and SEND provision
