Dear NUT Colleague, 

We are seeking the views of NUT members in a random selection of Birmingham schools on the issues of workload and work/life balance.

Although some attempts have been made to reduce workload, a recent survey by the School Teachers' Review Body reported that the average working week of teachers has been reduced by no more than a few minutes. This is despite the fact that, teachers have never had more ‘protection' from these pressures given the work/life balance entitlement written into the Teachers' Pay and Conditions document since 2004.

In Birmingham we have the additional protection of an excellent stress policy that the vast majority of Governing Bodies will have adopted, (but may not have implemented) and a really good, independent, confidential stress/workload audit tool designed by the Authority in consultation with the teacher associations.

The results of the recent ballot on workload conducted by the NUT confirmed overwhelmingly that workload is a major concern for our members. More importantly the ballot gives NUT members real protection in challenging any area of excessive workload.

Please fill in the attached form and return it to the BANUT Office, whether or not you have workload concerns as we would also welcome hearing about schools with good practice. We have enclosed a FREEPOST return label. (The form is also accessible on the BANUT website: www.banut.net and can be returned via email) . Your school NUT representative has been informed about the survey and you may wish to speak to her/him before replying.

We can assure you that all contacts are treated in the strictest confidence and that no further action will be taken without your prior agreement.

Yours sincerely,

Roger King - General Secretary

*(If returning below questionnaire by email please click on following link banut@btclick.com and copy and paste below questions and your answers onto your email.)

1. Workload, work/life balance are issues at my school. Yes / No

2. Attempts have been made to address the issues. Yes / No

3. I believe my school is an exemplar of good practice. Yes / No

4. I would like someone from BANUT to contact me / the rep. Yes / No

Please contact me on:____________________________________ (phone/email)

Name: _____________________ School :_________________________________