REC Response to False Allegations Made Against Supply Teacher Agencies

Responding to a ‘lobby’ organised by the National Union of Teachers (NUT) and expected to take place today, Kate Shoesmith, head of policy at the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC), says:

“It is extremely disappointing to hear unfair, unsubstantiated and inaccurate claims being made against agencies that provide supply teachers to schools. Supply teachers and the agencies that place them work incredibly hard to provide a vital service. Schools are finding it difficult to fill vacancies and rely on their recruitment partners to bring in quality teachers, often at very short notice.

“Agencies charge a daily rate for temporary contracts and the majority of this will go directly to the teacher. It is up to schools, agencies and teachers to negotiate pay rates and this can vary according to location and other factors such as how much experience the teacher has. In the NUT’s survey conducted in June 2015, the NUT actually state that ‘supply teacher pay is edging upwards’.

“The agency will typically take between 15-30 per cent of the fee. For this charge, they will market the vacancy and find the right teacher, and then ensure that proper safeguarding and background checks are completed. They will also cover National Insurance, payroll, liability insurance, and holiday pay. These are all expenses that a school would incur if they were to recruit directly.

“Working via an agency gives teachers a way to work flexibly, so that they can fit work around other commitments and have more choice about where and how they work. We recently surveyed our members and found that eight in ten have been able to find suitable work for a teacher who would have otherwise walked away from the profession entirely.

“We also found that more than 80 per cent of our members invest in education by providing training and development opportunities for teachers, as well as careers advice for young people.”

Responding to the NUT’s claim that “many supply teachers […] are not entitled to sick pay, maternity pay or teachers' pensions”, Shoesmith says:

“Supply teachers are entitled to Statutory Sick Pay and Statutory Maternity Pay under existing legislation. The NUT should provide evidence of supply teachers being denied these provisions by any of our members.

“Recruitment agencies are not permitted to participate in the Teacher’s Pension Scheme. However, like other employers agencies must enrol eligible workers into a qualifying pension scheme in line with automatic enrolment duties.”

Responding to the NUT’s claim that agencies often require supply teachers to be paid via offshore umbrella companies, Shoesmith adds:

“It is incorrect to suggest that the use of offshore umbrella companies is widespread. We do not recommend that our members employ individuals via overseas companies because of the associated risks. Recent changes to the legislation has seen their usage decline.

“More generally, umbrella companies are an established part of the recruitment industry, and our recommendation to members is that they only work with companies that have been approved by the FCSA.”

Ends

Notes to editors:

1. The NUT Supply Teacher Survey 2015 states: “This year’s survey suggests that it is possible that supply teacher pay is edging upwards slightly.” -  https://www.teachers.org.uk/files/supply-teacher-survey-june-2015.docx
   
   
2. In October 2015 the REC surveyed 62 of its members about their work with schools and found:

• 95% typically receive less than two hours’ notice from a school in need of a teacher on the same day
• 91% charge a margin of between 15-30% for temporary assignments
• 82% invest revenue in the education sector 
• 75% offer CPD opportunities to their supply teachers 
• In the last year 80% of agencies have persuaded a teacher to remain in the education profession