Upset Jamaican teachers at UK school protest over pay, working conditions
Published:Tuesday | July 8, 2025 | 9:48 AM
Allegations that some Jamaican teachers in the United Kingdom are being targeted by their bosses and underpaid thousands of pounds have triggered a strike by the staff at a school in south London, the UK's National Education Union has stated.
Protest action at Harris Beckenham started today and is expected to last another day after staff at the institution complained about being “severely overworked to the point of exhaustion,” having to deal with an unacceptable management style, as well as breaches of union rights, British media have reported.
The Harris Federation, which is the UK's second-largest academy chain, previously came under fire after being accused of paying Jamaican teachers less than their British colleagues.
In September last year, reports emerged that some Jamaican teachers who were recruited by Harris Federation were being paid approximately £10,000 (JMD $2.1 million) less annually than UK-trained teachers.
It noted that the Harris Federation has recruited more than 150 teachers from Jamaica since 2018.
According to media reports, Jamaican teachers at the academy have also complained about unnecessary scrutiny and bullying, with their teaching closely monitored and many facing excessive lesson observations.
One teacher who was fired from the school described how she was let go just months before she was due to have a baby.
Reacting, a spokesperson for the Harris Federation dismissed claims of wrongdoing.
“We wholly refute any allegations of racism. We are extremely proud of our excellent cadre of Jamaican teachers whom we train, develop and promote within our schools. Their pay and conditions are exactly the same as others in the same position.”
Reports noted that the Harris Federation committed to addressing the poor pay of its Jamaican teachers in March, but union leaders say that many Harris Beckenham teachers have been denied their fair pay.
- Sashana Small
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