Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has blasted Labour’s plans to let teachers work four-day weeks, warning that the proposal would undermine the leadership and example children need in the classroom.
Farage described the idea as “truly dreadful” after Education Secretary Lucy Powell asked an independent pay review body to examine changes that could allow teachers to compress their contracted hours into fewer days.
“School teachers are a really important part of a child’s life”, Farage said. “The good ones provide leadership, the good ones provide example, the good ones give inspiration to children.”
Farage described the idea as “truly dreadful” after Education Secretary Lucy Powell asked an independent pay review body to examine changes that could allow teachers to compress their contracted hours into fewer days.
“School teachers are a really important part of a child’s life”, Farage said. “The good ones provide leadership, the good ones provide example, the good ones give inspiration to children.”
It's a truly dreadful idea
He warned that allowing teachers to attend school on fewer days would send the wrong message to pupils expected to meet high standards themselves.
“How can you ask kids to turn up on time, smartly dressed, work hard, not use their mobile phones, get on with their school work?” he asked.
Farage said that teachers working four-day weeks would mean a “lack of continuity, lack of example, lack of leadership”.
Under the existing rules, full-time teachers must be available for work on 195 days each year: 190 days when pupils attend school and five staff training days. School leaders can direct them to work for up to 1,265 hours across those days.
The proposed change would make the 195-day requirement a maximum, potentially allowing teachers to complete those hours over four longer days. Other teachers would take their classes on the fifth day.
But Farage tore into the proposal, warning that Labour would undermine classroom leadership and weaken the example teachers set for their pupils.
“It is a truly dreadful idea”, he said.
He linked the proposed changes to a broader criticism of Labour’s work-shy approach to employment.
“Whether it’s reducing teachers to four days a week, whether it’s a civil service working from home, this government just doesn't get it”, he said. “But I think parents all over the country will.”
Parents who expect consistency in their children’s classrooms are unlikely to welcome another teacher taking over for the fifth day. Labour faces a hard sell convincing families that this is what schools need.
“How can you ask kids to turn up on time, smartly dressed, work hard, not use their mobile phones, get on with their school work?” he asked.
Farage said that teachers working four-day weeks would mean a “lack of continuity, lack of example, lack of leadership”.
Under the existing rules, full-time teachers must be available for work on 195 days each year: 190 days when pupils attend school and five staff training days. School leaders can direct them to work for up to 1,265 hours across those days.
The proposed change would make the 195-day requirement a maximum, potentially allowing teachers to complete those hours over four longer days. Other teachers would take their classes on the fifth day.
But Farage tore into the proposal, warning that Labour would undermine classroom leadership and weaken the example teachers set for their pupils.
“It is a truly dreadful idea”, he said.
He linked the proposed changes to a broader criticism of Labour’s work-shy approach to employment.
“Whether it’s reducing teachers to four days a week, whether it’s a civil service working from home, this government just doesn't get it”, he said. “But I think parents all over the country will.”
Parents who expect consistency in their children’s classrooms are unlikely to welcome another teacher taking over for the fifth day. Labour faces a hard sell convincing families that this is what schools need.
Powell has asked the School Teachers’ Review Body to consider the changes as part of a wider review of teachers’ pay and conditions, with recommendations due by April 2027.
Ministers are also considering allowing schools to pay teachers above national salary ranges to attract and retain experienced staff.
Reform UK wants schools to put discipline, high standards and strong classroom leadership at the heart of children’s education.
Farage’s message to Labour is clear: teachers should be supported to set those standards – and ministers must stop sending signals that undermine them.
Ministers are also considering allowing schools to pay teachers above national salary ranges to attract and retain experienced staff.
Reform UK wants schools to put discipline, high standards and strong classroom leadership at the heart of children’s education.
Farage’s message to Labour is clear: teachers should be supported to set those standards – and ministers must stop sending signals that undermine them.
