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Scottish Teachers: Workload Pushing Us to Breaking Point
8 Dec
Summary
- Over 93% of Scottish secondary teachers cite excessive demands as a major stressor.
- A union survey reveals workload is the primary cause of workplace stress.
- The SSTA is launching a project to audit and challenge administrative tasks.
A significant majority of Scottish secondary teachers, over 93%, are experiencing severe stress due to excessive workplace demands, according to a new survey by the Scottish Secondary Teachers' Association (SSTA). The findings indicate that workload and deadlines are the leading contributors to mental health strain within the profession. This data points to a critical situation where teachers feel they are operating at their breaking point.
The SSTA's Health, Safety, and Wellbeing committee conducted the survey, using a recognized framework to measure stress. "Demands" were ranked the number one stressor, followed by a lack of support and difficulties managing organizational changes. The union emphasizes that this is not subjective complaining but hard data indicating a serious health and safety risk.
In response, the SSTA is launching a demands reduction project, beginning with an administrative task audit to eliminate non-essential reporting. The union stresses that the current volume of work is unsustainable and that changes imposed without consultation or practical support add pressure. They are calling for urgent collaboration with school leadership teams to implement necessary strategic changes.
