Biggest pressure facing teachers is ‘lack of respect’ says UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer today identified a “lack of respect” as one of the greatest challenges currently facing teachers.

Starmer made the remarks at a reception at Downing Street dedicated to celebrating teachers and teaching assistants, acknowledging the range of pressures the profession has faced in recent years.

Starmer placed particular emphasis on the lack of respect as a fundamental issue, stating, “Possibly the biggest pressure [for teachers] is not being treated with respect.”

Addressing those gathered, the Prime Minister pointed to several ongoing issues affecting the sector. “You hardly need me to recite back to you: school buildings crumbling, teachers leaving in droves, more teachers leaving in their thirties than I think we have ever had before,” he said. He also raised concerns over rising absenteeism rates, describing them as “through the roof” and identifying them as a “real cause for concern.”

His remarks follow recent data indicating that unauthorised absences among students have remained high, even with the introduction of higher fines in September.

The event came shortly after the release of the government’s latest Budget, which includes a planned £2.3 billion annual increase in core school funding, as well as an additional £1 billion to address special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Next year, the Department for Education is set to receive £6.7 billion in capital funding, part of which is allocated to the school rebuilding programme.

Starmer expressed gratitude for the dedication shown by teachers and teaching assistants throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. “Possibly the biggest pressure [for teachers] is not being treated with respect,” he said, underscoring his view on the importance of valuing the teaching profession.

This reception followed last week’s budget, which outlined a series of financial commitments impacting the education sector. Core school funding is set to increase by £2.3 billion per year, with an additional £1 billion allocated to support special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The budget also includes £6.7 billion in capital funding for the Department for Education, designated in part to support the ongoing school rebuilding programme.