Teachers are suggested to receive essential worker fuel cards in case there is a shortage or a significant increase in petrol prices, according to the head of an academy trust. Tom Campbell, the CEO of E-ACT overseeing 38 schools and 3,500 employees, expressed concerns about the potentially sharp rise in costs for providing free school meals. He highlighted this issue as the primary external risk to school budgets in England, which could escalate the likelihood of teacher strikes regarding pay matters.

Campbell urged the government to prioritize teachers during the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, emphasizing the impact on various budget aspects for schools and trusts. He pointed out that energy costs have notably surged, with gas prices almost doubling since February and electricity costs closely following. For a large multi-academy trust managing over 30 schools, energy expenses could range from £3 million to £5 million annually.

Having spent two decades in school roles, including as a headteacher, Campbell noted that a 30% cost increase could add £2 million to yearly bills, equivalent to around 50 teaching positions. He cautioned that the Department for Education’s forecast of a 1.9% rise in non-salary expenses over the next two years is no longer realistic.

Recently, the National Education Union agreed to proceed with a formal vote on industrial action concerning pay disputes. The proposed 6.5% pay increase over three years, not fully funded by the government, might require schools to cover part of the expenses. Union leaders are planning the timing of the vote, which could lead to potential strike actions.

In an article for TES, Campbell emphasized the shift in the outlook on teacher pay due to recent developments. He highlighted the impact of potential inflation rates on real-terms pay cuts and the resurgence of strike concerns for the future.

Campbell advised headteachers to evaluate staffing costs under varying inflation scenarios and brace for the effects of rising fuel expenses, which he described as potentially devastating.