NASUWT statement on teacher recruitment practices in Northern Ireland

The NASUWT-The Teachers’ Union has today written to the Equality Commission asking the body to investigate teacher recruitment in Northern Ireland. This is in response to the continued failure of school employers to follow their appointment schemes in appointing temporary teachers.

In 2016, the NASUWT, as well as other unions, agreed TNC 2016/1 The Appropriate Use of the Northern Ireland Substitute Teacher Register (NISTR) with Management Side.

TNC 2016/1 states that NISTR should not be used to cover vacant full-time and part-time posts which are temporary in nature - and which are expected to last for a minimum period of six months. Such positions should be publicly advertised and appointed in accordance with the relevant Teaching Appointments Scheme.

Many schools ignore this and advertise positions by word of mouth or social media.