2. Business Statement and Announcement

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 3:03 pm on 19 January 2021.

Alert me about debates like this

Photo of Huw Irranca-Davies Huw Irranca-Davies Labour 3:03, 19 January 2021

Trefnydd, could we have a statement from the health Minister on whether he will ask the joint council for vaccinations to add front-line funeral workers, mortuary technicians and embalmers to the list of front-line healthcare staff in Wales for whom occupational immunisation with the COVID-19 vaccination is recommended? I understand Northern Ireland are likely to do so within the coming days, and, indeed, Scotland and England have done so in recent days.

Could we also have a statement on pay for experienced supply teachers? There's been a welcome framework put in place in Wales to ensure that all supply teachers are paid to at least M1, the entrance level salary, and it's a big improvement for many. However, for the more experienced teachers, including a constituent of mine who is on the U1 level, this is quite a bit under what they've trained for and what they've gained experience over many years for. If supply teachers are employed directly by councils, they're paid to the scale that they're on, but the fear is that supply agencies are taking over so much that schools are not using supply pools themselves any more, so experienced teachers are earning much less than they're qualified for.

A statement, Minister, could also clarify arrangements for supply teachers through furlough. There are many agencies that are still deciding whether or not to furlough their supply staff. As being a supply teacher depends entirely on day-to-day work, the supply agencies are finding the furlough process quite difficult and, of course, this impacts, then, on their supply teachers too. So, I'd welcome those two statements, please.