Education secretary Gillian Keegan has written to schools nationwide to say she is “disappointed” by the National Education Union’s refusal to suspend looming strikes.
However she admitted she did “understand teacher and leader workload is too high”, and recognised “challenges getting the staff in schools we need”.
She said ministers were “resolute” about addressing those issues, and added: “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.”
“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.”
