Rising London rents forcing teachers elsewhere, NUT warns

The National Union of Teachers (NUT) has warned that increasing high rents in London is forcing teachers out of the capital, risking the success of its schools.

According to an NUT survey of 1,200 London members aged under 35, 60 per cent were planning to leave the city within five years. Almost two-thirds of this figure claimed housing costs were the main reason for their decision.

In an interview with the BBC, Professor Howson, director of the Teach Vac website, said that the teacher recruitment difficulties facing London schools meant more children were being taught by non-specialist teachers.

The NUT cited figures which revealed newly qualified teachers in central London took home £1,655 per month after tax. However, according to government figures, a one bedroom flat in the capital costs on average £1,155 per month to the end of March 2015. This figures is much higher compared to rest of England which stands at around £525 for the country as a whole and £625 for the south east of England.

The survey found that teachers with families were most likely to move. It also suggested that almost one in five teachers were still living with their parents, claiming escalating rents and stagnating salaries were to blame.

Martin Powell-Davies, NUT regional secretary, said it was the responsibility of candidates for London Mayor and for the London Assembly to address ‘this significant and growing problem’, by implementing new policies to boost affordable housing London.

He warned: ”If they don't, there will be detrimental consequences for London's children and young people's education."