Unions: End teachers’ uncertainty over pay

TEACHERS NEED to be urgently told their pay rise for the autumn, union bosses have said, warning that the current uncertainty is “wholly unnecessary”.

The end of the academic year is imminent and schools and staff are still in the dark over salary levels for September, according to a group of unions.

In an open letter to Education Secretary Damian Hinds, they say the situation means that school leaders and governing bodies are unable to discuss how they will implement any pay rise, or if the Government plans to provide extra cash for an increase.

It calls on the minister to publish as soon as possible the School Teachers’ Review Body (STRB) report on teachers’ pay, and the Government’s response to it.

The STRB recommends pay increases for the teaching profession, and the Government’s response will say if it accepts these recommendations.

“The end of term is imminent,” the unions’ letter says.

“Schools in some areas have already closed for the summer.

“Headteachers and their teaching staff do not know what is happening with regard to pay.

“Governing bodies cannot discuss how they will implement the pay increase. No-one knows whether your Government plans to support the pay increase with additional funding.”

It also urges Mr Hinds to “continue to press the Chancellor for improved education funding as a priority in his Autumn Budget”.