Teachers in the UK should be provided with fuel cards designated for key workers in case there is a shortage or a significant increase in petrol prices, as suggested by the leader of an academy trust. Tom Campbell, the CEO of E-ACT, which oversees 38 schools and employs 3,500 staff, expressed concerns about the potential sharp rise in costs for providing free school meals. He emphasized that this could pose a significant risk to school budgets, potentially leading to teacher strikes over pay issues in England.
Campbell urged the government to prioritize teachers, especially during the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. He highlighted the impact of fluctuating energy prices, noting that gas prices have nearly doubled since February, with electricity costs also rising. For large multi-academy trusts managing numerous schools, annual energy expenses could range from £3 million to £5 million.
The CEO cautioned that a 30% increase in energy costs could add £2 million annually to the bill, equivalent to around 50 teaching positions. He challenged the Department for Education’s projection of a 1.9% rise in non-salary expenses over the next two years, deeming it unrealistic.
Following the National Education Union’s decision to proceed with a formal ballot on industrial action over pay, concerns have been raised about the proposed 6.5% pay increase over three years not being fully funded by the government. This shortfall might need to be covered by school budgets, potentially leading to strike actions.
In a piece for TES, Campbell pointed out that the recent Iran conflict has shifted the outlook on teacher pay. He warned that if inflation reaches 3.5% by September, any pay increase below that threshold would effectively result in a pay cut, reigniting concerns about potential strikes in 2023.
Given the circumstances, Campbell recommended that headteachers analyze staffing costs under various inflation scenarios and prepare for the impact of escalating fuel expenses, which he described as potentially “crippling.”
