By Justin Parkinson BBC News Online education staff, in Bournemouth

Teachers are still carrying out administrative tasks

The government's Workload Agreement, brought in last year, was intended to take tasks like taking the register out of teachers' hands.

But implementation had been "patchy", Mary Bousted of the Association of Teachers and Lecturers said.

Her union would support industrial action ballots in areas where it was poor, she said.

'No excuse'

The reduction in workload was a "contractual requirement" and there was "no excuse" for not abiding by the agreement's terms, Dr Bousted added.

The ATL, known as the most moderate of the major teaching unions, signed the accord with the government last year, as did the NASUWT.

Dr Bousted rejected claims that some cash-strapped schools and local authorities could not afford to afford to follow it.

Speaking ahead of the union's annual conference in Bournemouth this week, she said: "Where it has been implemented, the agreement has had a great effect on teachers' lives.

"It means they can have a reasonable work-life balance.

"Our members report they are coming back to work with renewed vigour and enthusiasm."

She added: "We have signed up to the agreement and expect every local authority will deliver.

"If we find it is obstructed or not put in place properly, we will encourage members to take local action."

The first part of the agreement - intended to free up more time for teaching - is already in force in schools in England.

It lists 21 tasks, such as typing, collecting money from parents and filing, which are no longer teachers' responsibilities.

The second part, which will allow them free time for planning, marking and assessment, starts in September next year.

Around 25% of newly qualified teachers leave the profession within five years, many blaming long hours and stress.

Earlier this year, a Times Education Supplement survey of 500 teachers found 45% thought the agreement had freed up no extra time.

The National Union of Teachers has refused to sign the agreement, claiming it is a way of handing over teaching tasks to classroom assistants, and so damaging the profession.