Teachers in England have voted to end strike action and accept the government’s offer of a 6.5% pay rise, which is partly supported by new government funding. More than 80% of teachers who voted in three unions and 77% in the other accepted the pay deal.
In a joint statement with the prime minister, teachers’ union leaders stated that the pay offer “recognises the vital role that teachers play in our country, and ensures that teaching will continue to be an attractive profession”.
However, in the face of the increased cost of living – as well as challenging working conditions for teachers – it is unclear whether this agreement will be enough to stem the recruitment crisis in English schools.
The prime minister and union leaders’ statement described the pay award as “properly funded”. The government has committed to funding the pay rise above 3.5%, with the rest of the rise coming from schools’ existing budgets.
