Michael Rosen, children’s author and former Children’s Laureate backs Maths and English Teachers

Michael Rosen, children’s author and former Children’s Laureate has publicly backed those English and Maths teachers currently at risk of being made redundant 

The move that would see the equivalent of 10 full time roles being lost with students having greatly reduced face-to-face teaching in classrooms, and a permanent move to online independent self-study has firmly been rejected by the University and College Union who have launched a campaign to save jobs at Chichester College. 

This follows a statement published last week that has attracted large support including the leaders of the main opposition parties on Chichester District Council. A meeting of staff last Friday also voted 100% to move towards balloting for potential strike action. 

Michael Rosen, in his statement said,

“It seems to me as unbelievable and wrong that in this time of crisis any authority is looking to cut jobs in colleges. We know that this pandemic is causing huge inequalities and disparities in terms of access to education. Maths and English are core subjects and need right now – and will need for the foreseeable future – support and security of tenure.” 

The author had been battling covid-19 last year and remained on a ventilator for six weeks. 

He went on to say, “As a matter of urgency, I urge the authorities at Chichester College to retain all staff working in the English and Maths departments. I support staff at the college doing what they can to keep these jobs on the roll. ” 

The ongoing consultative ballot is due to close on Wednesday of next week with the results determining whether to proceed towards industrial action.