Teachers in the UK may soon receive key worker fuel cards to address potential shortages or price spikes in petrol, according to the head of an academy trust. Tom Campbell, the CEO of E-ACT overseeing 38 schools and 3,500 staff, expressed concerns about the escalating costs of providing free school meals, highlighting it as a significant external risk to school finances in England. He also raised the alarm about a possible increase in teacher strikes over pay due to these challenges.
Campbell urged the government to prioritize teachers during the ongoing Middle East conflict, emphasizing the broader impact on school budgets. He pointed out that schools and trusts that had locked in energy contracts earlier were shielded from the recent surges in gas and electricity prices, but those up for renewal faced a transformed market. Energy costs for large multi-academy trusts with numerous schools could amount to £3 million to £5 million annually.
With a potential 30% cost increase equating to £2 million, Campbell warned that the Department for Education’s projection of a modest 1.9% rise in non-salary expenses over the next two years was no longer realistic. The National Education Union has initiated steps towards potential industrial action over pay, citing inadequate government funding for the proposed salary raise.
Campbell, reflecting on the impact of the Iran conflict on teacher pay, highlighted the potential threat of inflation eroding real-terms wages. He advised headteachers to assess staffing costs against various inflation scenarios and brace for the financial impact of soaring fuel bills, which he described as potentially devastating.
For those seeking quick access to valuable news, choosing the Daily Mirror as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google News is recommended.
