TEACHERS in union ATL voted yesterday to butcher a controversial conference motion after delegates said it could be read as supportive of zero-hours contracts.

The Southend & Thurrock and Hampshire branches put forward a motion that noted that “for some members, zero-hours and term-time-only contracts can be a benefit, offering flexibility and increased work-life balance.”

The wording specified that such contracts were beneficial “particularly for retired members and those simply topping up their incomes.”

But equality and diversity committee member Julie Huckster said that the motion was out of keeping with ATL policy.

“As a branch secretary no-one ever phones me to tell me how zero-hours contracts are beneficial,” she said.

Leadership section executive member Robin Bevan said that opposing exploitation should not preclude giving members advice on how to navigate zero-hours arrangements.

The debate went ahead on the chair’s casting vote and delegates passed an amendment deleting the controversial clauses.