Jamaican teachers at leading UK academy chain paid less than their British colleagues

Teachers from the Caribbean say they are struggling with the high cost of living in London. Illustration: Philip Lay/Observer Design

Teachers recruited from Jamaica to work for a major chain of academy schools in London have spoken of their “devastation” on finding out that they are being paid thousands of pounds a year less than English-trained recruits with similar levels of experience.

The Harris Federation, England’s second largest academy chain, with 54 state-funded schools, has been recruiting from Jamaica in recent years, bringing teachers to the UK who are attracted by higher salaries than they can earn in the Caribbean.