Teachers are being suggested to receive fuel cards designated for key workers in case of fuel shortages or price increases, as proposed by the head of an academy trust. Tom Campbell, the CEO of E-ACT overseeing 38 schools and 3,500 staff, highlighted concerns regarding the potential escalation in costs for providing free school meals. He emphasized that this situation poses a significant external risk to school budgets in England, potentially leading to teacher strikes over pay.
Campbell urged the government to prioritize teachers amidst the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, emphasizing the far-reaching implications on various budgetary aspects. He pointed out the impact of fluctuating energy prices, noting that gas prices have nearly doubled since February, with electricity costs following suit. For larger multi-academy trusts managing over 30 schools, energy expenses could range from £3 million to £5 million annually.
With an anticipated 30% increase in costs, Campbell projected an additional £2 million to the yearly bill, equivalent to approximately 50 teaching positions. He criticized the Department for Education’s projected 1.9% rise in non-salary expenses over the next two years as unrealistic. The National Education Union has agreed to proceed with a formal ballot on industrial action over pay, citing concerns that the proposed 6.5% salary increase over three years is inadequately funded by the government, potentially burdening school budgets.
In an article for TES, Campbell highlighted the shift in the outlook for teacher pay due to recent geopolitical developments, cautioning that inflation reaching 3.5% by September could result in real-term pay reductions. He advised headteachers to assess staffing costs under various inflation scenarios and brace for the impact of escalating fuel charges, which he described as potentially devastating.