TEACHERS in private schools are allowed a lunch break of just 20 minutes, new research has found.

Staff report having to regularly run clubs and extracurricular activities during meal times, leaving them with little time to eat and rest.

Others say they are expected to start preparing for their next lessons.

The survey, commissioned by the Association of Teachers and Lecturers, also found that 66 per cent of private-school teachers did not receive any additional allowances or payments for extra work carried out.

Forty-one per cent of staff had an uninterrupted break of less than 20 minutes at lunchtimes.

ATL general secretary Mary Bousted said: “Excessive workload is one of the most serious issues facing the education profession. It affects the quality of teaching and learning our members are able to deliver.

“It is driving experienced and valuable staff from the profession and is having a hugely detrimental impact on personal lives.”