Secondary school teachers say education cuts are making it increasingly difficult to support the wellbeing of vulnerable students.

An online survey of more than 1,700 secondary school principals and teachers commissioned by the ASTI shows almost half of principals report that Department of Education guidelines on student mental health are not adequately implemented in their schools.

In addition, 82 per cent of principals feel a moratorium on filling middle-management posts has undermined pastoral care structures.

In all, the union says schools have lost an average of six middle-management posts since the economic downturn.

These posts are focused on student pastoral care structures and include year heads and class tutors whose responsibilities often include student attendance, student engagement and monitoring students at risk.

The survey by Millward Brown last month also found teacher workload increased across a number of areas.

For example, 78 per cent of teachers say they have more administrative duties to complete compared to last year.

Teachers cite the volume of administrative work and after-school meetings as the sources of job dissatisfaction.

Being able to help young people emerges as a key factor behind job satisfaction among the teachers. Almost 90 per cent identify it as a key source of job satisfaction, while 49 per cent say it is the main source of job satisfaction.

However, job satisfaction levels appear to be falling, based on the survey results.

Some 55 per cent of those surveyed say they are “very” or “quite” satisfied with their job, compared to 77 per cent in 2009.

In addition, 95 per cent of principals state that their workload is “heavy” or “very heavy”, with one in three intending to opt for early retirement.

ASTI president Máire G Ní Chiarba said the research showed clearly that pastoral care structures have been substantially undermined by the moratorium on middle-management posts.

“In addition, increased workload is reducing the amount of time teachers have for vital non-teaching work including supporting students with difficulties.

“The wellbeing of young people is a major public health concern which is widely reported in the media. However, it is not a priority when it comes to education policy.”