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The NEU’s most recent survey found that in recent years, the single reason for moving into supply work among the current supply workforce was the workload in permanent posts. In July 2023, the government commissioned a report on workload reduction. It found that educators estimate they worked more than seven “unnecessary hours” a week on average. Educators often take on extra roles and feel like social workers, carers, and safeguarders.
There is also ‘empty’ work, like producing data for things that seem pointless and extra admin.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) states that working more than 55 hours a week damages health. But many educators are doing that. Some educators report working 60-hour weeks. A November 2023 study by the mental health charity Education Support found that teacher wellbeing is at a five-year low, with stress, insomnia, and burnout all rising.
Working in supply teaching can be a great way to reduce teacher workload. According to a recent survey by the NEU, the primary motivation for transitioning to supply work among the existing supply workforce is the excessive workload associated with permanent teaching positions.
Supply teachers don’t have the administrative burden of being a full-time teacher. This means that they can focus on teaching and not worry about the paperwork after they finish for the day.