Teachers' strikes in England paused for talks

Teachers' unions and the government are holding "intensive" talks to try to end a dispute over pay in England.

The National Education Union said it would not announce any further strike dates for the next two weeks, while the talks are ongoing.

The most recent strike was on Thursday, which disrupted more than half of England's schools.

The Department for Education said the talks would focus on teacher pay, conditions and workload reduction.

"In order for talks to begin and, we hope, reach a successful conclusion, the NEU has confirmed it will create a period of calm for two weeks during which time they have said no further strike dates will be announced," a statement said.

Four teachers' unions - the Association of School and College Leaders, National Association of Head Teachers, NASUWT and the NEU - are all involved in the talks with the Education Secretary, Gillian Keegan.

The negotiations will continue over the weekend.

More than half of schools in England closed or restricted attendance on 15 and 16 March.

Data released by the Department for Education showed 47% of all schools in England were open but restricting attendance, and 6% were fully closed on both strike days this week.

The National Education Union, which represents 300,000 teachers are asking for an above inflation pay increase - that does not come from existing budgets in schools.

It says it is about investing in this generation of children who have been hit so hard by Covid.

Most state school teachers in England had a 5% rise in 2022. The government offered most teachers a 3% rise in 2023-24 - which the NEU says is not enough. Inflation is currently running at about 10% in the UK.

Strike action in Wales has already been paused and in Scotland the dispute has been settled.

In Wales, the NEU is consulting members on a increased pay offer of 8% for 2022-23 (6.5% plus a one off payment of 1.5%) and a 5% increase for 2023/24.

And in Scotland, unions have accepted an increased pay offer of 7% for 2022-23, which would be backdated to April. They have also been offered a 5% rise in April 2023, and a 2% one in January 2024. It was formally agreed on Tuesday.

In England, no new strike dates have been scheduled, but the NEU ballot lasts until mid-July which means they can announce new strikes dates until then.

Education Secretary Ms Keegan previously said she has been extremely disappointed by the strike action.

The news that talks between teachers and the government will resume comes after a breakthrough in the NHS strike action on Thursday, with a new pay offer.

Union leaders representing nurses and ambulance workers have suspended strike action while members vote on the deal, which includes a 5% pay rise from April as well as a one-off payment of at least £1,655 to top up the past year's pay award.

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