Today (Thurs 27 May), official government figures show another annual rise in trade union membership figures. The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy reports that membership has risen for the fourth consecutive year. The number of employees in the UK now represented by trade union rose by 118,000 to 6.56 million people in 2020.

School leaders’ union NAHT is also reporting a significant increase in its membership.

Paul Whiteman, NAHT general secretary, said: “A recent NAHT survey found that the top words school leaders would use to describe their experiences over the last year are ‘challenging, exhausting and stressful’. 

“Leaders have turned to their union for support and guidance at a time when that has been in short supply from government. They have also appreciated the principled stance NAHT has taken on COVID, challenging the government’s approach where necessary and working hard to keep staff and pupil safety and wellbeing at the top of the agenda.”

Since 2017 NAHT has seen a steady growth as leaders rediscover the power of mutual support and collective endeavour. Union membership is about so much more than job insurance. NAHT added 1066 members during the pandemic period alone, rising from 33,333 in December 2020 to 34,399 in April 2021 up from 28,600 in 2017.

Tim Bowen, NAHT’s President, said: “Education is a much tougher job than it used to be and focusing on the health and well-being of teachers and school leaders is of real importance. Every leader needs to make sure every member of their team has the support they need. And when you develop your staff, of course the pupils benefit. Better mental health leads to better education.”

During the pandemic, NAHT has received numerous communications from school leaders commenting on the value of their union membership. One primary school head teacher in the North West said: “Never have I been more grateful to NAHT than at this time. It is a great comfort that, despite the madness of these times, the NAHT has a voice of reason.”

“The way our union has conducted itself throughout this crisis has been exemplary,” said one special school leader in the North East.

“I love the support from NAHT. Best investment I’ve made in my time as a head teacher,” said one London-based primary school head teacher.

NAHT continues to represent the views of school leaders in every phase and sector of education, including school business leaders, influencing policy at the highest levels of government in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

This week the association published its Education Recovery plan – ‘a blueprint for a stronger and fairer system for all’ – outlining seven recommendations for a successful recovery and a demonstrating the huge ambition of the profession.

Mr Whiteman concluded: “While the government has been deliberating, school staff have already been quietly, but determinedly, getting on with the crucial task of supporting pupils. It is essential that the recovery effort of the next few years recognises and builds on the excellent work that has already been done.”

Press and Media contacts:

Steven George
NAHT Head of Press and Media
01444 472886
07970 907730

Rose Tremlett 
Senior Press Officer 
07545 354363

Email : press.office@naht.org.uk