NASUWT responds to reports of a 6.5% pay recommendation for teachers

Responding to reports today that the School Teachers’ Review Body (STRB) in its report to the Government has recommended a pay award of 6.5% to teachers, Dr Patrick Roach, General Secretary of the NASUWT-The Teachers’ Union, said:

“Two months ago, the Government asked us to put their pay offer to our members. Our members rejected the Government’s offer by a margin of nine to one.

“But since then Gillian Keegan has refused to talk to us. The Government has refused to return to negotiations. Instead, Gillian Keegan has said that the matter is now with the STRB.

“If today’s reports are correct, the pay review body is recommending a pay award of 6.5% from this September – well above the 4.5% average that the Government offered.

“If today’s reports are correct, there is yet further evidence that the Government is out of touch and that its position is no longer credible or justifiable.

“But, because of Ministers’ intransigence and petulance, we have been left with no other option than to ballot our members for industrial action over pay, workload and working hours.

“Ministers must face up to reality and ensure that teachers have the pay and conditions they deserve and that every school and college receives the additional funding they will need to deliver those pay awards in full.

“And, on workload, Gillian Keegan must also address our members’ demands for measures to prevent excessive workload and working hours.

“Our message to the Secretary of State is that she has the opportunity to prevent further industrial action by agreeing to work with us to secure a deal for this year and next year that our members are willing to support.”