This week, thousands of schools in England, Scotland, and Wales will experience additional disruptions due to a teachers’ strike over pay. Starting on Tuesday, the National Education Union (NEU) will hold three consecutive days of regional action in England. During the first NEU strike on 1 February, more than half of England’s schools closed or partially closed.
The NEU is requesting above-inflation wage increases and additional funding for schools to ensure that pay raises do not come from existing budgets. In 2022, the majority of state school teachers in England and Wales received a 5% raise, while those in Northern Ireland received a 3.2% increase. The Scottish government recently proposed a 6% pay increase for the current fiscal year and an additional 5.5% increase for the new fiscal year, which begins in April. The NEU stated that it would only suspend strike action if significant progress was made in negotiations.
Education Secretary Gillian Keegan stated that the government has already agreed to provide an additional £2 billion in school funding in England, “bringing real spending on schools to an all-time high.” The government proposes a 3% pay increase for most teachers in 2023/24; however, the NEU believes this is insufficient.
In England, the average salary for teachers in the 2021/22 school year is £38,982, while the average salary for head teachers is £74,095. On the basis of factors such as vacancies and subject shortages, experts advise the government on teacher pay.
In England, Scotland, and Wales, the decision to open or close schools on strike days rests with the school’s principal. Schools may offer distance education, but it is not required. Parents who require emergency child care may receive it.
Five unions are engaging in non-strike actions, while the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) began non-strike actions on 1 February. The Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) and two additional unions will again strike on February 28 and March 1. The EIS will hold twenty additional strike days between March 13 and April 21. On February 21, the majority of teachers in Northern Ireland walked out for a half-day.
The strikes this week are in response to union demands for above-inflation pay raises, additional school funding, and increased employer contributions to teacher pensions. These interruptions may have far-reaching consequences for students and their families. If school administrators fear that a strike could cause disruptions, they should consult with exam boards.
This week, thousands of schools in England, Scotland, and Wales will be disrupted as teachers go on strike over pay. After adjusting for inflation, teacher salaries in England have fallen by an average of 11% between 2010 and 2022. Unions are calling for above-inflation raises and additional school funding.
The National Education Union (NEU) will hold three consecutive days of regional action in England beginning on Tuesday, while more than half of English schools closed or partially closed on 1 February during the first NEU strike. Other unions are also participating in the strike, including the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT), the Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS), and two others who will walk out again on February 28 and March 1.
The government has proposed a 3 percent pay increase for the majority of teachers in 2023/24; however, the NEU believes this is insufficient. Education Secretary Gillian Keegan stated that the government has already agreed to increase school funding in England by £2 billion.
On strike days in England, Scotland, and Wales, head teachers decide whether to open or close schools, and schools may offer some remote education, but this is not required. Parents may be offered emergency child care if they require it, and school administrators should consult with exam boards if they anticipate disruptions due to strikes.
