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 24 February
I am sorry to write to you on a Friday afternoon. However, there have been some significant changes in our trade disputes with unions this week and I wanted to update you on what we are doing to make progress and bring the disputes to a resolution.
On Tuesday, I wrote to the NEU, NASUWT, ASCL and NAHT offering to move into formal talks on pay, conditions and reform that will address all areas in dispute. This offer, which still stands, was made on the condition that the NEU pauses its strike action next week to ensure talks can take place in good faith and without the disruption of ongoing action. The Government made the same request of the Royal College of Nursing who, having accepted, have now entered intense discussions with ministers to resolve their own pay disputes.
These formal talks have been offered to build on the constructive discussions we’ve had with unions to date that have been largely focused on workload, recruitment and retention, and our submission to the pay review body. I have heard the union leaders when they requested that Government needs to come to the table and make a real offer to discuss pay to avert strikes. We have now done that and I hope we can find a fair and reasonable settlement that recognises the vital role you play as our teachers and school leaders.
Whether you have chosen to strike or not, I know each one of you takes your job incredibly seriously and makes sure that children and young people are at the centre of everything you do.
Having made an offer to start serious talks on pay and other issues, I am disappointed that the NEU’s leadership is not yet prepared to pause strikes and join these talks – particularly as strikes have a significant impact on children’s education, and especially following the disruption of the past two years.
Ahead of its National Executive Committee meeting tomorrow, I have urged the NEU to suspend its planned action and get round the table so we can put an end to this uncertainty and disruption for children and families.
The rising cost of living has impacted everyone, and I understand concerns about your pay and how your school budgets can support your pupils. Embedding inflation into our economy doesn’t solve the problem, as it impacts every household. That said, I have been clear with the unions that I am willing to sit around the table and have a meaningful discussion with them on pay.
Last week, we also published the Department’s evidence to the School Teachers’ Review Body. This written evidence presents an assessment of what award is currently affordable for schools on average and sets out that changing conditions, including reducing inflation levels and energy prices, might allow schools to accommodate a higher award. This is the starting point for our formal talks.
I know that there has been a lot of concern around school funding. I want to reassure you that the additional £2 billion going into schools in both 2023-24 and the following year means that by 2024-25 schools will be funded at their highest levels in history. Each school has flexibility over how this money is used – for example, it could be spent on staffing, classroom materials, or other running costs.
I fully understand that teacher and leader workload is too high and recognise that there are challenges getting the staff in schools we need. Previous work in this area, led by Nick Gibb, Minister for Schools, did start to see a positive shift in getting this down before the pandemic. Both he and I are resolute in our ambition to get this work back on track and see what more we can do to speed things along and give you more time to do what you do best – teach.
Looking ahead to next week, I have urged the NEU to pause strike action and come to the table with the other trade unions to resolve the issues that matter to you most.
It's in all of our best interests, but most of all in children’s interests, to resolve this dispute to make sure strike action does not have a real and direct impact on children and young people's education and wellbeing.
Thank you, again, for everything you do.
Best wishes,
The Rt Hon Gillian Keegan MP
Secretary of State for Education
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