Teachers are poised to go on strike this year due to dissatisfaction with their new pay deal, which reportedly falls below the expected inflation rate. Despite the likelihood of inflation increasing due to the Iran conflict, teacher pay is not anticipated to keep up. The School Teachers’ Review Body (STRB) has suggested a pay raise slightly above inflation for the upcoming academic year.
Concerns are mounting over the potential impact of the planned industrial action later this year, with schools already facing significant challenges. Some headteachers have even turned down the Government’s breakfast club offer due to financial constraints. A Labour source expressed worry over the situation, indicating that teachers are likely to strike even if they reluctantly accept a pay deal below inflation.
The inflation outlook for the next academic year remains uncertain, with projections indicating a potential rise. Discussions are ongoing between Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson, Chancellor Rachel Reeves, and the Treasury on how to finance the proposed pay increase, amid fears of potential budget cuts for schools. The recommended three-year pay deal by the pay review body includes smaller increments for the subsequent academic years of 2027–28 and 2028–29.
The National Union of Teachers (NEU) General Secretary, Daniel Kebede, highlighted the importance of a pay award above inflation and fully funded to avoid inevitable strike action. Unions have indicated that the three-year deal could trigger strikes, potentially leading to budget cuts for schools. The Treasury has emphasized that the Department for Education should fund the pay rise from its own budget.
A Treasury official reiterated that pay award recommendations are made independently by pay review bodies, and departments are expected to fund these awards as outlined in the spending review.
