NASUWT union general secretary Patrick Roach has blasted the Government after it emerged some 58% of teachers are giving hard-up pupils food and clothes as the cost-of-living crisis hits vulnerable children. The Daily Mirror reported that a poll carried out by the union showed kind-hearted teachers stepping in to shoulder the burden, while 15% had lent cash to children who were struggling for something to eat.
Mr Roach said: “This is a deeply disturbing picture of the damaging impact of the cost-of-living crisis on children and young people the length and breadth of the country. It is outrageous that we should be seeing more and more families struggling or unable to feed, clothe or keep a roof over their children’s heads.”
Dr Roach called on the incoming prime minister to help youngsters and their families through the difficult autumn and winter in the wake of the energy price cap and effects of inflation. The poll of 6,500 teachers also shows a third have given advice on how youngsters and their families can access food banks.
