Minimum service levels (MSLs) to protect children and young
people’s education are set to be introduced in schools and
colleges, the government has announced today (Friday 20
October).
The proposals will put in place protections for children, young
people and parents to ensure education can continue during any
future strike action.
The announcement follows the disruption during industrial action
last academic year, which resulted in over 10 days of action in
schools, leading to 25 million school days that were lost
cumulatively, impacting children and families across the
country.
This was despite the efforts from many school leaders and
teachers to keep classrooms open and government guidance stating
that teaching for pupils studying for exams and vulnerable
children should be prioritised.
The Education Secretary, , has today written to union
leaders inviting them to discuss proposals on a voluntary basis
in the first instance. In her letter she is clear that should a
voluntary agreement not be reached the government is committed to
using powers granted through the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels)
Act that was introduced earlier this year. Such a move would lead
to a consultation and is expected to include a range of models
for MSLs in education, for parents, teachers, and other
stakeholders to provide views on.
Education Secretary, said:
Last year’s school strikes were some of the most disruptive on
record for children, and their parents. We cannot afford a repeat
of that disruption - particularly as schools and teachers
continue to work so hard to help children recover from the
pandemic.
I am asking the teaching unions to engage with us and agree to
put children and young people’s education first - and above and
beyond any dispute.
Proposals to introduce MSLs in schools and colleges follows the
announcement made by the Secretary of State to consult on MSLs in
universities, to limit the impact of industrial action on
students.
The introduction of MSLs will bring education in line with other
key public services such as healthcare and transport. MSLs will
provide a better balance between the right of workers to strike,
and the importance of education.
In July, school teaching unions suspended their strikes when the
government announced the
largest pay award in 30 years for teachers, alongside meeting
its manifesto commitment of increasing starting salaries to a
minimum of £30,000.
