Schools across England are facing widespread disruption today as teachers hold their second strike this week.
Members of the National Education Union (NEU) will be heading to the picket line after a similar walk-out on Wednesday resulted in many schools closing entirely or forced to reduce the number of classes held.
It comes amid a long-running dispute over pay, with union leaders warning strikes could continue into the autumn unless a deal can be reached.
The timing of the strike action has been criticised by some as it is set to disrupt end-of-year activities – including trips, sports days and transition days for pupils heading to new schools.
But the NEU said ministers could have easily ended the disruption by offering a better pay deal to help teachers amid high inflation and the cost of living crisis.
Friday marks the eighth day individual schools in England have faced walkouts by NEU members since February.
The government previously offered a £1,000 one-off payment to teachers and an average 4.5% rise for staff next year school year.
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But all four education unions have rejected the offer, with the NEU accusing ministers of sitting on a report by the independent School Teachers’ Review Body, which it believes has recommended a rise of 6.5%.
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NEU joint general secretary Kevin Courtney said: “No teacher wants to be taking strike action and this week’s strike action should not have been necessary.
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“The responsibility for it lies at the door of the Prime Minister and the Education Secretary who continue to refuse to re-enter negotiations with education unions to reach a settlement on a fully funded pay increase for teachers.”
The Department for Education insisted a “fair and reasonable” pay offer had been made to the unions and said the government was “considering” the independent pay review’s report.
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A spokesperson added: “This strike action will see the cancellation of end of term events and important transition days to secondary schools, impacting children and causing more disruption for parents.”
