31 per cent increase in education staff working 48 hours or more
The study by the Trades Union Congress (TUC) found that 492,000 people working in education had a normal working week of 48 hours or more, compared to 376,000 in 2010.
The study included all education workers, but the TUC has said that the ‘overwhelming majority’ of those working long hours were teachers.
The number of people working 48 or more hours has risen faster in Education than other professions, with the average increase for Britain being 15 per cent. Only a small number of other industries had seen larger increases, including health and social work (32 per cent) and agriculture, fishing and forestry (43 per cent).
The figures have prompted the TUC to warn that overworking could lead to ‘burnout’, as working over 48 hours a week has been shown to increase the risk of heart disease, stress, mental illness and diabetes.
Latest News
17/04/2026 - 10:24
The government is inviting EdTech companies and AI labs to develop AI tutoring tools, in collaboration with teachers, to ensure they support classroom practice.
17/04/2026 - 09:53
The government has rolled out new guidance and practical advice to help families get children ready for school
16/04/2026 - 12:03
Job adverts for secondary school teaching roles have dropped to their lowest level in nine years, raising fresh concerns about teacher recruitment in England.
16/04/2026 - 10:42
Ofqual has fined Cambridge OCR £270,000 for errors relating to A and AS Level physics exam papers in summer 2025.
15/04/2026 - 09:37
The government has announced the locations of 19 new Technical Excellence Colleges, backed by £175 million investment in skills training in priority areas.
