Demotivated UK workers feel the heat of 'summer sad'

The research examined how the UK workforce feels about working over the summer. The findings showed that 39 per cent of office workers believe Summer Seasonal Affective Disorder, or ‘Summer SAD’, detracts from their motivation to work, while 8 per cent said they are more likely to call in sick during the summer months. Almost 20 per cent said they spend their summer daydreaming out of the window while 7 per cent look for another job.

The survey also delved into how UK workers use their summer months at work, comparing and contrasting the experiences of different professions.

With 13 weeks holiday a year, teachers are more likely to use the summer period for extended breaks with 1 in 4 (25 per cent) using their time to take long holidays abroad  - double the amount of most other professions.

The summer also presents an opportunity to spend more time with the family for employees in the health and education sectors, with more than 40 per cent using the summer break to spend time with their children compared to around 20 per cent for people in HR, media and marketing.

Graham Holley, Chief Executive of the TDA, said:

“A teacher’s work is immensely rewarding – there’s no other job like it – but it is undeniably hard work during term-time. The six-week summer break is a well-deserved benefit offering time for relaxation as well as time to catch up. There are legions of people who could benefit not only from a competitive salary plus the unbeatable rewards of working with children, but also time in the summer months to recharge their batteries away from the work environment.”

The teaching profession offers a salary that can be progressed to over £50,000 for teachers with specialist skills and additional responsibilities. Head teachers can earn in excess of £100,000. Teachers also benefit from: an average of 13 weeks leave; opportunities for career progression and promotion and entitlement to training on the job; a public sector pension; plus access to low cost home ownership schemes.

To find out more about teaching, visit www.teach.gov.uk

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Notes to editors

• The research for TDA was carried out online by Opinion Matters / Tickbox.net between 13.06.08 and 20.06.08 amongst a nationally representative sample of 1148 UK adults aged 16+.
• Summer Seasonal Affective Disorder is a variation on Seasonal Affective Disorder, which is caused by a lack of access to natural light.
• From September, graduates entering the teaching profession can expect a salary of over £20,000 (£25,000 in inner London) whilst pocketing up to £5,000 as a golden hello if they choose a priority subject, such as maths or science. Tax-free bursaries of up to £9,000 are also in place to enable jobseekers to study for a teaching qualification. Classroom teachers can progress to a salary of £34,000 or more (£41,000 in London). Advanced skills teachers can earn up to £53,155.
• Personal advice is available from the Teaching Information Line on 0845 6000 991 – 992 for Welsh speakers (minicom 0117 915 8161).
• The Training and Development Agency for Schools was established under the Education Act 2005.  Its principle aim is to secure an effective school workforce that improves children’s life chances.