Union leader warns of 'ticking time-bomb' in schools

What was once unacceptable is now being tolerated and expected as councils and the Scottish Government are being told to take action to protect staff.

Adam Sutcliffe, raised the issue in his final speech before ending his term as EIS President.

He said: “Health and Safety is the ticking time bomb in Scottish education that is just waiting to go boom.

“The level of violence, aggression, misogyny, bullying, sexism, ableism, homophobia, transphobia and racism that teachers and lecturers are having to deal with on a daily basis is completely and utterly intolerable.”

Mr Sutcliffe continued, “Our employers and the government are not yet up to the task of protecting us. We have a legislative right to work in an environment that keeps us safe.”

“Members in a school I recently visited told me that levels of violence and abuse that were considered unacceptable only five years ago are being routinely ignored in order to be able to simply carry on with the day.”

Mr Sutcliffe said Scottish Government resources must be raised and directed towards education to ensure it is properly funded to achieve the best outcomes for pupils.

He added: “This government needs to use its tax-raising powers to inspire the extremely wealthy to stop avoiding or evading and start contributing more to create a fairer, more equal society and to contribute to a quality education system that really does enable those within it to become successful learners, confident individuals, effective contributors and responsible citizens.”

The Glasgow Times has highlighted cases in the city where school staff have protested about levels of violence.

Details of compensation paid out to staff after incidents involving violence showed half a million pounds paid out since 2019.