College lecturers have claimed the imposition of two extra hours’ lecturing time each week under the Haddington Road agreement is adding considerably to workplace stress.

The Teachers’ Union of Ireland says the delivery of the two hours requires an additional six hours of curriculum development, research, preparation work and the development of assessment of examinations material.

A survey of lecturers at institutes of technology who are represented by the union found the imposition of these “flex hours” was the leading source of stress among 14 possible indicators.

About 38 per cent of the 1,100 respondents said the additional hours had a “very high” impact on stress levels.

Lack of consultation on change, increased student numbers and reduced budgets were identified as the next biggest sources of stress.

The national conferences of the INTO, the primary teachers' union, opens this evening, while the TUI and ASTI congresses begin tomorrow.