‘I find it hard to even plan to the end of the month’

Young teachers are putting their lives on hold due to their lower level of pay, according to newly-qualified members of the profession.

It comes as the Teachers’ Union of Ireland’s congress unanimously passed a motion calling for a conclusion of talks on bringing about pay equality for teachers by early next month, in line with motions passed by its sister unions. The congress heard from post-2011 recruits to teaching who discussed the impact the two-tier system has had on them.

Tom Dixon, 28, from Kildare, says he lives at home with his mother, and has worked jobs outside of school to supplement his income.