PAY CAMPAIGN RESPONSES: (updated 19 June 2007) page 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

I moved to London from Blackburn last year to teach. The cost of living down here has shocked me. Based on the amount of hard work I put into my new job, I am certainly not earning anywhere near an adequate wage and worry about money constantly to the point of being ill. In the words of my year 5 children: 'It's not fair'. -Frances, Hillingdon

It’s no good people writing in and complaining or saying they cannot manage. Nobody will listen - unless members are prepared to actually do something then the government will take no notice. I for one look to the national union to start organising a more vigorous campaign in order to resolve this issue - IT, NE Lincs

“2 point something” pay rises do not compare to the inflation that we all have to live with. Increasingly we are living on less and less. Teachers don’t just teach, we have so many other responsibilities but the pay does not reflect this.-AB, Havering

I came to teaching later than some and I am still repaying student loans at £130 per month on top of the mortgage, council tax and living expenses. Last September’s pay increases did not cover the increase in pension/NI contributions never mind the council tax! My budgeting skills are now quite amazing. The only options left to me are to take a second job in the summer and/or have a lodger. This is not quite what I envisaged teaching would be.- BD, West Berks

I started teaching in 1974 and my current salary doesn't seem to give me any better standard of living than the £99 I received in my very first pay cheque!! If the unions don't get their acts together and start working cooperatively on the issue of pay I fear that Governments of whatever persuasion will carry on ignoring our plight and continue to treat us with contempt. -BMT, Surrey

I left industry to be a teacher, not for the money but because it is something I want to do, but I still need to pay my way in life. Considering that teaching is reserved for graduates only, the pay does not reflect my investment in my education at university. Kind regards! - JD, South Cambs

My partner and I are NQTs, both of us having come to teaching after experience of other professions. Our experience so far is very disappointing - heavy workload compared to other professions, low pay compared to other jobs (especially for graduates) and lack of respect both from the government and the public. We have both seriously considered returning to our previous roles, not least because we are struggling to afford our mortgage due to low pay and recent interest rate rises. - WA, Norfolk

After 4 years struggling on a teachers salary in England, I am now teaching in Australia for a year and don't want to come home. My salary goes a lot further here and the working conditions are so much better. I can't count the number of times I've sat down and cried over my finances when I was living in England. It's a disgusting state of affairs when young teachers are happier working abroad. Well done NUT for campaigning to get us the salary we deserve! - HS, East Sussex

I came to teaching because it was a job I knew I would be good at and I would enjoy. Now I’m buying a house and have come to realise that the hours I work do not reflect the pay. It's a disgrace! Education, Education, Education - 10 years on, yeah right! - ODT, Durham

I have just managed to get onto the property ladder by getting a shared ownership property with a housing company. I can only afford an interest only repayment at the moment - does this really reflect the position that I am supposed to hold after 5 years of devoting my life to teaching? Please support us. - PF, Somerset

It is difficult enough to get a teaching job in the south-west - it is ridiculous to work for a wage that doesn't even take into account inflation. No wonder young teachers are not staying in the profession! - Anon, Devon

The NUT campaign against "broken promises" is striking a real chord with teachers in my school. Staff here are very insulted at the suggestion that we have to sacrifice our pay so that more funding can be directed at students. To many this feels like an extra tax on us. Let's keep the campaign going. Alex, Tower Hamlets

I'm just finishing my NQT year. Back in September my partner gave birth to twins. She is now looking to go back to work, however the cost of child care is going to put us in a tricky financial situation and also my pay won't currently allow us to move. So I would definitely back a pay review by the government. DH, Wiltshire

This job entails so many responsibilities and pressures which are not rewarded compared to other public sector professions. It is about preparing citizens to function in society and achieve their potential amongst many other things. I live in the South East - key workers are pretty much excluded from stepping on the property ladder due to high pricing. What's wrong with our society??? MB, West Sussex

I have only been teaching for 3 years but two young children and a third due this August I will have to consider if it is time to find a new career that can support myself and my family. At this time I’m only just paying the bills and putting food on the table - I live in a small terrace house which didn’t cost too much 6 years ago when we had no children and were both working but now, any more interest rises and I’m afraid we will go under. NL, Nottingham City

My wages have hardly moved in years, and the council tax alone costs me more than my 'increase' each year as that goes up more than inflation. I have just had to cancel my 11 year old's guitar lessons as I am no longer able to afford them. Why should she suffer? SP, Salford

I cannot believe all you moaning minnies! Poor you, all the holidays and no weekends or night work - try being a nurse - we earn even less than you and do unsocial hours and don't get the holidays - get real! SW, Oxfordshire

I emigrated last year to seek a decent standard of living for my family. I was worried that I wouldn't be able to afford to continue teaching in London. Controlling inflation is a government job. Sticking to agreements is a government duty. It seems to me that they have failed on both counts. Instead of taking it out on hard-working public sector workers, they should be declared "failing" and be put in special measures at once. Jamie, Canada

Deemed an outstanding teacher by peers and Ofsted. A lifetime in honing skills and knowledge. BA, MA, Adv.Dip Tech. Head of an excellent dept....yet still making inadequate provision for myself and my family. I continue to feel financially undervalued and cheated. PT, Norfolk