ALL school strikes have today been called off as teaching unions backed Rishi Sunak’s offer of a 6.5 per cent pay rise.
Following months of damaging walkouts a breakthrough between ministers and unions was finally made.
School strikes have today been called off
A rare joint statement between the PM, Education Secretary Gillian Keegan and the four biggest unions announced the deal.
It said: “This deal will allow teachers and school leaders to call off strike action and resume normal relations with government.”
In a press conference Mr Sunak added: “All teaching unions have just announced that they’re suspending all planned strikes immediately.”
The NASWUT union only yesterday announced a fresh round of strikes for the autumn.
And the remaining three – including the massive NEU – were re-balloting for action and threatening to coordinate walkouts.
But they will now each put the government’s pay offer of a 6.5 per cent rise from next April to their members.
They said: “This is the largest ever recommendation from the School Teachers’ Review Body.
“A 6.5% increase for teachers and school leaders recognises the vital role that teachers play in our country and ensures that teaching will continue to be an attractive profession.
“The Government has accepted the STRB’s recommendation and has agreed to bring forward wider reforms to reduce teacher and leader workload in partnership with all four unions.
“Importantly, the Government’s offer is properly funded for schools. The Government has committed that all schools will receive additional funding above what was proposed in March – building on the additional £2 billion given to schools in the Autumn Statement.
“The Government will also provide a hardship fund of up to £40 million to support those schools facing the greatest financial challenges.”
