England
In a letter to Education Bridget Phillipson after the government’s recommendation of a 2.8% pay rise, teaching unions said they had been clear that the 5.5% increase in 2024 „must be only the first in a series of fully funded, above inflation pay increases needed to correct teacher and school leader pay“.
They said that the value of teacher pay had fallen since 2010, which, coupled with „excessive workload“, had contributed to a „crisis“ in recruitment and retention.
They also want the government to fund the pay rise so that schools do not have to pay for it through existing budgets. At present, the government expects, external that most schools will have to make „efficiencies“ in order to afford the additional cost.
Each year, the independent School Teachers Review Body (STRB) hears submissions from each side and makes recommendations on teacher pay to the government, who ultimately decide on how much to award.
Wales
The Welsh Government made a pay offer for 2024/25 in line with England’s 5.5% teacher pay rise, which was higher than the 4.3% recommended by the Independent Welsh Pay Review Body (IWPRB).
Long-running action ended in November 2023 after NAHT members accepted a new workload agreement along with an improved pay offer and additional funding.
Scotland
In September 2024, Scottish teaching unions unanimously accepted a pay offer of 4.27% for the current academic year.
Northern Ireland
A potential strike by Northern Ireland’s teachers was averted this month.
In February, teachers rejected an offer of 5.5% and started action short of strike in schools.
But unions have now accepted a revised deal. The pay rise will remain at 5.5%, but the agreement also contained commitments to address concerns about workloads.
