Increase in teachers needing handouts to cover bills

Teachers are increasingly applying for grants in order to cover transport costs and utility bills.

As reported by Tes, hundreds are asking for charitable handouts in order to stop them becoming homeless.

This number of struggling teachers has risen by 40 per cent in the last year, according to the Education Support Partnership.

The charity revealed that it received nearly 500 application for grants for 2016-17.

Also, between April and November 2017, 531 applications were made.

The Education Support Partnership has also allocated grants to help teachers cover council tax, utility bills and food costs.

Sixty-three per cent of the charity’s grants were given to teachers and staff in primary and secondary schools, while 28 per cent were awarded to those working in further education.

The latest figures come shortly after government statistics revealed that the number of applicants for teacher-training courses had dropped by 6,510 – equivalent to 33 per cent – since the same time last year.

And figures released last week show that thousands of teachers are on long-term sick leave, because of stress.