Workload intensification in Scotland:teacher workload research

The teaching workforce in and beyond Europe is facing unprecedented challenges. Many European school systems are facing teacher shortages as recruitment targets are missed and the number of teachers leaving the profession before retirement increases. Challenging employment conditions in 2022 and 2023 saw industrial action by teachers in France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Spain and Portugal.<br/><br/>The European Trade Union Committee for Education has expressed concern about the declining attractiveness of the teaching profession and the need for adequate pay, and equitable and sustainable workloads.<br/><br/>In this article we summarise research commissioned by the Educational Institute of Scotland in response to workload concerns expressed by teachers in Scotland’s schools.