Commenting upon the recent decision of Newport City Council to discontinue their Supply Teacher’s List and to require schools to use Agencies in order to replace all absent teachers, NUT Cymru have indicated their opposition to this decision as it represents a considerable reduction in supply teachers pay and grossly effects their employment rights. Wales Secretary David Evans said: “We are extremely disappointed with the cessation of Newport City Council’s Supply Teacher’s List as this is another in a long line of Authorities who undervalue supply teachers rights to fair pay and equal treatment. We are committed to ensuring that all qualified teachers’ pay is protected under the School Teachers Pay and Conditions Document, and that those teachers who can only find employment through Agencies are given appropriate rates of pay, access to Continuing Professional Development and pensions. “We proposed and moved a motion at the Wales TUC Conference where we highlighted significant concerns over what is happening to Supply Teachers lists, the growth of the agencies and the ineffectiveness of Quality Mark Wales. We will also be taking up these issues with the Education Minister, at the earliest opportunity.”