The number of teachers signed off with stress has soared by more than a quarter in recent years, according to figures that are fuelling fresh fears over the Covid pandemic’s impact on staff. Freedom of Information (FoI) responses from 24 local authorities show 2,284 individuals were affected in 2019-20 – up 26 per cent on the 2016-17 total of 1,808. Increases over the period were particularly marked in Edinburgh, the Highlands and the Western Isles. The Scottish Government and standards watchdog Education Scotland stressed £1.5 million had been invested in schemes to boost mental health and help manage Covid-related strains. But the Scottish Conservatives, who obtained the data, said teachers were “feeling overworked and under-appreciated”.
It warned failure to protect the roles would deprive staff of vital class preparation time and remove the need for them to be registered with the General Teaching Council for Scotland. A CS spokeswoman said on Friday evening: “Following lengthy and productive discussions today, good progress was made and a consensus position reached which both sides are taking to their respective memberships. “As a result of the position reached, the strike action planned for Tuesday 27th and Wednesday 28th April 2021 has been suspended. “The suspension is good news for students and staff.” Negotiatons at NJNC ended a short time ago. Two days of national strike action have been suspended to allow for ratification of agreement that was reached.