Time to tackle Oldham’s teacher stress levels, say Liberal Democrats

Councillor Howard Sykes

Oldham has the highest number of teachers on long-term leave for stress in Greater Manchester. According to figures sourced by the Liberal Democrats under the Freedom of Information Act, during 2016 – 17 there were 61 teachers absent for more than one month for stress.

The Leader of the Opposition and Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, Councillor Howard Sykes MBE, is especially worried because the trend is increasing with the figures up from 42 in 2015-16.

He has written to the Cabinet Member with responsibility for Education, Councillor Amanda Chadderton, and the Director of Education, Andrew Sutherland, asking them to identify the urgent measures necessary to address this issue.

Councillor Sykes said: “At a time when Oldham still faces a great many challenges to put into place an education offer that ensures that our young people can do their best, we are faced with a new crisis in our classrooms – teachers who are so stressed that they can no longer face another day at the chalk-face.

“Across the UK we are seeing older, more experienced teachers leaving the profession in despair and newly-qualified younger professionals finding themselves unable to cope with the long hours and the relentless pressure.

“In Oldham we also appear to have a particular problem with stress; contrast our figure with that of neighbouring Rochdale where there were only 37 teachers on long-term absence for stress.

“Without motivated teachers in place, our children will be failed once again by our education system and the improvements promised from the Oldham Education Commission and Opportunity Area initiative will most likely come to nothing.

“We need to take action and the time to do so is now.”