Some 70 per cent of teachers say their health has suffered because of their job, and more than 50 per cent are stressed as a result of working in education. This is according to a survey carried out by the Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL), and Teacher Support Network.
The survey questioned 762 teachers and lecturers from state schools, sixth-form, and further education colleges across the UK. It found that morale in the education sector was very low, with respondents reporting an increase in workload, administrative work, and responsibility. Many also reported a poor work-life balance.
The most widely-reported health problems were stress (85 per cent), disturbed sleep patterns (83 per cent), and exhaustion (82 per cent). Furthermore, 68 per cent of teachers working in primary schools said they experienced problems, with their voices as a result of their work with one respondent describing laryngitis as an “occupational hazard”.
