Brand new research from CV-Library, the UK’s leading independent job board, reveals that despite 62.5% of professionals in the education sector working more hours than they’re contracted to, over half (61.1%) struggle to make ends meet at the end of each month.
The study surveyed 1,200 working professionals and found that one in four (44.2%) work 1-3 hours extra per week, amounting to 96 hours per year and meaning education professionals are missing out on £1,467.84* unpaid overtime.
Lee Biggins, founder and CEO of CV-Library, comments on the findings: “We’ve certainly built a reputation for ourselves in the UK for working overtime, with full-time employees working two and half weeks more than the EU average. This is no different in the education sector, where severe underfunding for schools has put extra pressure on its professionals to work longer hours.
“Of course, we all have stressful days which cause us to work longer than we’re contracted to. However, if you’re continuing to go the extra mile, without your efforts being recognised, then something’s gone wrong. It’s unfair for managers to expect you to give up your valuable time without financial recognition. Know your worth and don’t settle for any less!”
Although professionals in the education sector may be putting in extra hours in the hopes of impressing their boss and securing a pay rise, 
it appears that employers are failing to pick up on their efforts. The majority (77.8%) of the sector’s professionals believe they’re underpaid, with the survey revealing that:
- 66.7% of education professionals go into their overdraft before the end of the month
- 26.3% struggle to pay off their credit card each month
- 44.4% think that colleagues at a similar level earn more than them
- Aside from living costs, the top three expenditures of education professionals are groceries (44.4%), insurance (29.6%) and entertainment (24.1%)
Biggins concludes: “It’s highly demotivating to feel like you’re putting in extra hours, without reaping the rewards. So, if you think you deserve it, don’t be afraid to ask for a pay review. It will do wonders for your motivation and productivity to have your boss acknowledge your hard work. Plus, we deserve to enjoy our hard-earned money by socialising and doing things we enjoy, rather than worrying about how to pay the bills at the end of the month!”
