Commenting on the passing of Motion 16 at NEU Annual Conference in Brighton, Daniel Kebede, general secretary of the National Education Union, said:
“NEU today issued a firm commitment to protect and support its members within the Independent Sector who face a perfect storm of financial and structural pressures. From the removal of the Teachers’ Pension Scheme to a rise in redundancies, mergers, and school closures, the union is taking a stand against the erosion of educators' livelihoods.
“The sector is navigating a volatile landscape driven by shifting regional demographics as well as significant government policy changes combined with the rising cost of living for parents and increased overheads for employers, have placed the sector under immense strain.
“Our members in the Independent Sector are dedicated professionals who enrich the lives of their pupils every day. The expertise, commitment and dedication provided by our members are what make these schools successful. We will not sit idly by while their jobs, contracts, and wellbeing are put at risk by economic and political shifts.”