Education Secretary, said:
“While I welcome the outcome from the National Association of
Headteachers not to strike, it is deeply disappointing for
children and parents that NEU teacher members have voted in
favour of walking out.
“Talks with union leaders are ongoing and any strike action from
one union will have a damaging impact on pupils’ education and
wellbeing, particularly following the disruption experienced over
the past two years.
"We have already met the unions’ request for an additional £2
billion in school funding, which will take real terms spending on
schools to its highest level in history."
Background information:
We awarded teachers the highest pay award in 30 years. Most
teachers in the first few years of their career will progress up
the pay scale, meaning pay rises of up to 15.9% this year, when
combined with the pay award. And around 40% of experienced
teachers below the top of their pay range will also get pay
increases through progression or promotion, on top of the 5% pay
award.
Please also find updated guidance on handling strike action in
schools here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/handling-strike-action-in-schools
, Head of Education at the
Centre for Policy Studies, said:
'The NEU result is disappointing - strikes would be the wrong
action, for the wrong reason, at the wrong time. After everything
pupils have been through in recent years, further disruption to
their education is the last thing they and their parents need.
'School absences are still much higher than before the pandemic
and strike-enforced closures could make things even worse. On top
of this, in a cost of living crisis parents simply cannot afford
to take time off work to care for children or attempt to support
them with remote learning yet again.
'It's also sad for the profession. Until now teachers have been
among the most trusted groups in society and I worry that strikes
will undermine this, especially if parents take a financial hit.
'A vote in favour of striking does not mean that a strike has to
happen - hopefully the union will hold off putting this result
into action and use the time to continue constructive
negotiations. If they do go ahead, I hope teachers will do the
honourable thing and conduct the strikes such that the impact on
pupils is minimised.
'Overall though, it's a sad day for the nation's children,
families and teachers.'
