Are More Teachers' Strikes on the Horizon?

National Education Union (NEU) Voting on Government's Pay Offer

The National Education Union (NEU), England's largest teaching union, is voting on whether to accept or reject the government's pay offer of 2.8% for the 2025-26 academic year.

Industrial Action Consideration

If the offer is turned down, the union will debate at its conference in April whether to vote for industrial action, which could include strikes.

Future Strike Plans

No more full strikes are planned at this stage, although the threat of future action has not been ruled out. The School Teachers' Review Body (STRB), an independent group for teachers' pay, will recommend a formal pay offer later this year.

The NEU's ballot will open on 1 March and run until mid-April.

Previous Pay Increases

Teachers received a 5.5% pay rise last September in England, funded by an additional £1.2bn from the government. Government departments have since recommended a pay rise of 2.8% for millions of public sector workers, including teachers, for next year.

In July 2023, several education unions accepted the government's 6.5% pay rise for 2023/24. However, unions are advocating for pay restoration to compensate for years of below-inflation increases.

Teacher Pay Demands

In March 2024, teaching unions jointly called for a "fully funded, inflation-plus" pay rise for 2024/25. They also emphasized the need for "significant improvements" on workload to address recruitment and retention issues.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has requested recommendations on 2025/26 teacher pay from the STRB and expressed concerns about the current underfunded pay recommendation of 2.8%.

Impact Across the UK

The Welsh Government offered a pay rise in line with England's 5.5% increase for 2024/25. In Scotland, teaching unions accepted a 4.27% pay offer, while Northern Ireland saw members voting for strike action over pay concerns.

School Operations During Strikes

Schools in England are expected to remain open during strikes, prioritizing vulnerable pupils and key workers' children. Head teachers make decisions on closures, and parents may be informed about closures on the morning of industrial action.

Parental Leave and Support

In England, parents can request leave for family emergencies, including childcare needs. Schools are urged to minimize disruption during strikes, especially for exams and assessments. Teachers' salaries vary across the UK, with additional factors influencing pay decisions.