Scottish Secondary Teachers' Association

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The Scottish Secondary Teachers’ Association today expressed alarm at the reported crisis in providing supply cover in many local authorities. The Association has taken note of the reports in some quarters indicating that classes have been split up, doubled up and only supervised in significant numbers in Assembly areas thus being deprived of appropriate opportunity for learning and teaching. It has even been reported that network staff whose purpose is to support the most vulnerable of our young people are being drafted in to provide supply cover.

Alan McKenzie, Acting General Secretary, said “these reports that we have received may only be anecdotal. However, to gamble on that has such enormous implications for potential damage that it cannot be risked. We believe there is at least a problem derived from the introduction of the lowest rate of pay for supply staff. This derisory rate must be ended and proper salary rates restored. Very few experienced and recently retired teachers are prepared to accept supply posts on the daily rate currently offered. These teachers are essential in a supply situation. We are also alarmed that many newly qualified teachers are simply leaving the profession when faced with long periods of second rate payment.”

For further information contact:-

Alan McKenzie
Acting General Secretary

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The Scottish Public Pension Agency has put out a Consultation on draft regulations for proposed employee contribution increases from April 2013 for the Scottish Teachers’ Superannuation Scheme.

Members can access the Consultation and information on how to respond to it via the SPPA website.

The Consultation period is 20th December 2012 to 1st February 2013

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Today the SSTA joined colleagues in other Trades Unions to condemn the launch of a consultation on proposed increases to contribution rates for Scottish teachers’ pension scheme.

Acting General Secretary Alan McKenzie said “It is disappointing that the Scottish Government has failed to recognise the vulnerability of the lower paid by being complicit in the UK Government’s blatant cash grab. We had hoped for better things. We can only hope that the continuing negotiations on breaking the link with state pension age are more fruitful. Constantly saying that Scottish Government hands are tied is frankly unhelpful. Perhaps we need greater explanation of to what extent Scottish Government hands are tied. Our understanding is that Scottish Government is actually free to negotiate within the cost envelope. This is not a case of hands being tied but an example of choice being exercised.”


For further information contact:-

Alan McKenzie
Acting General Secretary
0131 313 7300

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The SSTA today announced that it is conducting a survey of local authority and independent schools acceptance of liability for injury sustained by employees in untreated car parking areas in schools. The Association is concerned that there are an alarming number of cases of injury being reported and the number of cases being pursued by the Association reflects this. Alan McKenzie, Acting General Secretary said “We have simply asked if these employers accept their responsibility for the care and welfare of employees in car parks. So far, there have been a variety of responses some of which are frankly disappointing. The Association is anxious to engage in dialogue to reach a position where sensible policy can emerge. It is not helpful to our members or to the taxpayers to simply respond ‘see you in court’ as some employers have already done”.


For further information contact:-

Alan McKenzie
Acting General Secretary