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TEACHERS called for reinstatement of local authority supply pools today in order to end ongoing exploitation of supply teachers by agencies.
Members of the teachers union NASUWT made the call at the union’s Cymru conference.
Local authority supply pools operate in some areas of Wales and the benefits have been noted by supply teachers who work there.
NASUWT general secretary Chris Keates said: “Supply teachers provide a vital resource to schools but all too often they are being exploited by unscrupulous supply agencies.
“This privatisation of supply cover has led to depreciation in both pay and terms and conditions for supply teachers."
Ms Keates said rates of pay are often poor and there is rarely any provision for pension or other benefits, which would otherwise be set out in teachers’ conditions of service.
“Supply teaching is, by its very nature, often an isolating job, but the conditions facing supply teachers are leading to increased levels of stress and a drop in morale,” she said.