The DfE has shared an update following the discussions between the NAHT, NEU, NASUWT and ASCL and the Secretary of State, ministers and government officials.
The Secretary of State made an in principle offer on 24 March 2023 affecting the teachers and leaders in maintained schools for academic year 2022 to 2023 and 2023 to 2024:
- a non-consolidated award of £1000 (pro rata per FTE) for academic year 2022 to 2023 (equivalent to an additional 2.4% in addition to the 5.4% average increase consolidated pay award already received, which was in line with the recommendations of the independent pay review body)
- a 4.5% consolidated pay rise for academic year 2023to 2024 (equivalent to a pay rise of at least £1,880 (4.3%) for experienced (U3+) teachers and leaders, and £2,000 (7.1%) for new teachers (excluding London)).
They have also offered:
- to remove the statutory requirement for schools to use performance related pay
- a commitment to reduce average teachers and leaders working time by 5 hours a week
- Ofsted offering greater clarity on when schools should expect their next inspection
- to set up a new workload taskforce to review administrative tasks carried out by teachers and leaders
- an intention to align School Teachers’ Review Board (STRB) process with school budget cycle to make it easier for schools to plan
- a commitment to reviewing complaints procedures for parents, as well as Ofsted’s complaint procedures for schools
You can read more about the offer on the DfE blog.
Position of unions
We understand that:
- NEU are currently undertaking an e-ballot with a recommendation to reject – results to be announced on 3 April - if the majority of members reject the offer, we understand that notice of two further strike days could be issued for Thursday 27 April and Tuesday 2 May
- NASUWT are also balloting their members asking if members reject the offer whether they are prepared to take industrial action - The BBC report that the NASUWT are recommending rejection of the offer
- the NAHT are surveying members on the offer and asking whether members would be “prepared to vote in favour of strike action if the offer is rejected?”
- ASCL are currently consulting members
We’ll continue to keep you updated on this fast-moving situation.