News

No strikes yet, but teaching unions step-up pay campaigns amid calls for a National Commission

The threat of pre-summer strikes has diminished as teachers wait to see what pay rise they will be offered this year. In the meantime, the NASUWT and NEU want to see a national commission on teachers' pay as they ramp up political campaign work ahead of the general election. Pete Henshaw reports
Image: Adobe Stock

A National Commission on Teachers’ Pay could raise the status of teaching, restore salary competitiveness, and improve teacher recruitment and retention.

The idea has been put forward by the NASUWT, which says that the body could help to “restore the independence of the pay review body process”.

The National Education Union (NEU) has also agreed to lobby for the creation of a national commission "as a means of achieving a longer-term pay correction".

It comes as the likelihood of pre-summer strike action by teachers over pay has diminished.

An indicative ballot by the NASUWT saw 78% of its members reject plans to formally ballot for industrial action. 

Register now, read forever

Thank you for visiting Headteacher Update and reading some of our content for professionals in primary education. Register now for free to get unlimited access to all content.

What's included:

  • Unlimited access to news, best practice articles and podcasts

  • New content and e-bulletins delivered straight to your inbox every Monday

Register

Already have an account? Sign in here