One can imagine reaction to the news that the Department for Education and Skills has not one case of stress-related illness (page 2). Teachers believe much of their own stress comes from the plethora of paperwork and initiatives that emanates from Sanctuary Buildings.
Sadistic teachers would doubtless like to send stress levels soaring at the DfES in revenge for their own workplace suffering. Here are some suggestions. First, send the inspectors into the department to try out their new “light touch” framework (lots of paperwork there). Second, give junior staff half-a-day a week to plan new initiatives (senior officials can do the photocopying). Third, order a complete overhaul of the DfES staffing structure (including pay cuts for middle managers). The trouble is, Sir Humphrey would probably enjoy it.
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