Proposals to criminalise NI teachers a ‘slap in the face’, says NASUWT

NASUWT – The Teachers’ Union has called Northern Ireland’s Department of Education’s proposals to strengthen inspection legislation in a move that could see teachers criminalised a “slap in the face”. 

According to the union, the move confirms the department’s intention to press ahead with plans to make it a criminal offence to obstruct a school inspection, after the department published its Consultation Summary Report on the proposals.

It added that the proposal to criminalise teachers, who could be fined up to £2,500, for taking lawful industrial action is a “direct attack on democratic rights and a blatant attempt to undermine trade unions”.

Matt Wrack, general secretary of the NASUWT, said: “This consultation outcome is a slap in the face to every teacher and lecturer in Northern Ireland. Despite overwhelming opposition from the profession, the department has chosen to ignore the voices of those who know our schools best.

“It is outrageous that hard-working professionals could be fined up to £2,500 simply for exercising their right to protest against years of pay erosion and unsustainable workloads. If the minister is serious about transforming education, he should be investing in teachers – not threatening them with prosecution.”

Justin McCamphill, NASUWT national official for Northern Ireland, said: “Teachers and lecturers across Northern Ireland are deeply concerned by the department’s determination to push through this punitive legislation. The consultation itself revealed that the vast majority of education professionals are opposed to these changes, yet the department has pressed ahead regardless.

“This move will severely damage morale and industrial relations at a time when we should be working together to build a world-class education system. Teachers are not against inspection – but they are against being criminalised for standing up for their rights.”

He added: “We are also deeply concerned that the department is pushing ahead with this legislation before the Independent Review of Teacher Workload has even reported. This is a premature and provocative act that risks derailing progress on addressing the root causes of industrial action.

“We call on the Minister to withdraw these damaging proposals immediately and engage meaningfully with the profession to address the real issues facing education in Northern Ireland. The NASUWT remains committed to working collaboratively to improve education standards, but we will not accept measures that scapegoat teachers and undermine their rights.”