Irish teachers have been among the worst affected in Europe by pay cuts and freezes, according to a new report from the European Commission.
According to the Teachers’ and School Heads’ Salaries and Allowances in Europe 2011/12, some 16 European countries have reduced or frozen teachers’ salaries in response the crisis. Teachers in Greece, Spain, Portugal and Slovenia, as well as Ireland have been the worst affected.
This report was published to coincide with World Teachers’ Day and looks at the pay and allowances across 32 countries.
While teachers in Greece have been hit hardest with pay cuts of 30 per cent and the end of Christmas and Easter bonuses, new Irish teachers' salaries were cut by 13 per cent last year, and new entrants after 31st January this year have had a further 20 per cent cut in their starting salaries due to the abolition of qualification allowances.
Androulla Vassiliou - commissioner for Education, Culture, Multilingualism and Youth - said teachers played a vital role in the lives of children.
“Teachers' remuneration and working conditions should be a top priority in order to attract and retain the best in the profession. But attracting the best teachers is not just about pay: it is imperative that classrooms are well-equipped and that teachers have a proper say on modernising curricula and education reforms.”
The report also shows teachers’ pay in four countries - the Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia and Iceland - has increased since mid 2010, while pay in Romania is almost back at pre-crisis levels.
The report is compiled for the European Commission by the Eurydice network, which provides analyses and information on European education systems and policies.
