A new survey carried out by the Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI) shows that lecturers in Institutes of Technology are experiencing high levels of work related stress (WRS) as a result of cutbacks and rationalisation measures in the sector. The union is calling for immediate interventions to tackle the growing problem, including the abolition of the ‘flex hours’ required under the Haddington Road Agreement.
TUI’s Annual Congress begins in Wexford on Tuesday.
Speaking today, TUI General Secretary John MacGabhann said:
‘Lecturers in institutes of technology are reporting high levels of workplace stress as a direct result of recent cutbacks, additional hours and rationalisation.
Among the main sources of WRS is the impact of the flex hours. These are two additional hours lecturing given per week by members for the duration of the Haddington Road Agreement, the purpose being to cater for additional student throughput. The delivery of these two hours of lecturing requires an additional six hours to include subject/curriculum development, research, preparation work and the development of assessment of examinations material. Respondents rated the flex hours at 38% ‘Very High’ and 23% ‘High’ in terms of stress levels.
Findings also make clear that lack of consultation on change is resulting in high levels of risk of experiencing WRS, with respondents indicating 37% ‘Very High’ and 24% ‘High’ stress levels as a result. Similarly, being excluded from contributing to decision making also registered high levels of stress with 31% ‘Very High’ and 23% ‘High’. These findings come at a time when some colleges are seeking to merge with others in the move towards technological universities despite the strong opposition of lecturers. There has been a severe lack of consultation in many cases.
Issues associated with increased student numbers also resulted in elevated WRS with findings indicating 33% ‘Very High’, 28% ‘High’ and 20% ‘Moderate’ levels. Student number have increased by over 17% while funding has reduced by more than 20% over the last seven years. Larger class sizes significantly increase the workload of lecturers in terms of continuous assessment, feedback, advice and pastoral support.
With regard to teaching and research, the respondents indicated lower level of risk in comparison to the other 11 factors. For Teaching the risk levels of concern was 10% ‘Very High’, 25% ‘High’ and 32% ‘Moderate’. In terms of Research, the levels are 16% ‘Very High’, 23% ‘High’ and 23% ‘Moderate’.
From the data it is clear that large percentages of academic staff consider that they are experiencing very high to high levels of work-related stress. Immediate interventions are required to tackle this growing problem. It is an obligation of the employer to put in place appropriate and reasonable measures to reduce work-related stress.
We also urge abolition of the flex hours and a review to determine how the massive increase in student numbers can be accommodated without compromising the quality of the student experience. Clearly, existing lecturers can give no more and an increase in staffing is urgently needed. In addition, institutes are completely failing to consult with lecturers on matters related to their working conditions. This is completely unacceptable.’
Notes to editor:
The survey was carried out by TUI in December 2014, with 1,126 responses received. Full findings will be reported to the Department of Education and Skills and the institutes of technology. The survey instrument was developed from the Health and Safety Executive (UK) Management Standards Toolkit for measuring work related stress and contained a section on factors specific to the Irish third level sector.