Asti warn teacher job losses would hurt the whole public sector

The head of the ASTI believes his members would back industrial action - up to and including strikes - if even one teacher is told they're losing their job.

The Government recently withdrew a protection for those who are deemed to be 'surplus to requirements', after the ASTI rejected proposals aimed at ending a long running row. Up until now such teachers were redeployed, but there are fears that some could now be made redundant instead, and dozens of schools have begun receiving letters notifying them of surplus staff. ASTI President Ed Byrne believes any job losses would be a serious development for the whole public sector.