NEU Teacher Strikes end as members accept government's pay offer — all about it

The National Education Union (NEU), representing teachers in England, has decided against striking in the autumn term after accepting the government's pay offer. With 86% of its members voting in favor, the UK's largest teaching union agreed to a 6.5% pay rise.

Both parties involved in the dispute assured that the pay offer was "properly funded" and would not be deducted from existing school budgets. The acceptance of the offer was deemed "good news" for teachers, parents, and pupils by Education Secretary Gillian Keegan.

NEU's Acceptance Results in Salary Increase

Mary Bousted, joint general secretary of the NEU, disclosed that the pay offer would lead to an average teacher's salary rise of £2,500. While acknowledging that it may not fully meet all expectations, Bousted emphasized the significance of the one-year pay award as a remarkable achievement.

The NEU's decision came after facing eight strike days since February, causing numerous school closures. A re-ballot on further strike action saw 95% of members voting in favor, but the NEU ultimately decided against additional strikes following the acceptance of the pay offer.

Four Teaching Unions' Call for Above-Inflation Pay Rises

The NEU was one of four teaching unions demanding above-inflation pay raises for teachers, funded through additional government allocations to safeguard school budgets. While the ASCL union had already accepted the pay offer earlier in July, the decisions of the NAHT and NASUWT unions are yet to be announced.

Pay Rise Recommendation by the School Teachers' Review Body

State school teachers in England received a 5% pay rise for the 2022-23 academic year. The recommended 6.5% rise for 2023-24 was suggested by the School Teachers' Review Body after a previous government offer was rejected. To accompany the pay offer, ministers and union leaders jointly agreed to implement "wider reforms" aimed at reducing staff workload.

Support Staff Members Also Accept Pay Deal

In addition to teachers, the NEU's support staff members in England accepted the pay deal. While they did not achieve the required turnout for strike action earlier in the year, their acceptance reinforces the resolution of the dispute with the NEU. Education Secretary Gillian Keegan highlighted the importance of teachers' hard work and expressed optimism for a renewed focus on delivering a world-class education to children.

FAQs

Q1:Do teachers get paid if they strike in the UK?
Teachers participating in strikes will face a deduction of one day's pay from their wages, similar to other industries where strikes occur. Certain unions offer hardship funds to provide support to their members during strike actions.

Q2:Can you join the neu and strike?
Newly eligible members have the opportunity to take part in strike actions with the same protection as all other NEU members, as long as they join the NEU before engaging in the action.