Fight for pay and funding in schools

The National Education Union (NEU) is holding a preliminary online ballot, opening on 1 March. It is asking members if they would be prepared to take action over pay and funding.

The government has recommended a 2.8 per cent pay rise for teachers in England. This won’t keep up with inflation or wage rises in the rest of the economy.

Worse still, the government has not even provided funding for the recommended rise. Many schools will not be able to cover their costs without making cuts – 76 per cent of primaries and 94 per cent of secondaries.

No movement

If the government does not fund the rise, school funding will fall to its lowest level in real terms since 2010, according to the NEU. It presented evidence to the School Teachers’ Pay Review Body in early February, but there’s no sign of movement on pay levels or funding.

Teachers’ union NASUWT also submitted evidence to the review body with an emphasis on funding pay awards. It is arguing for an above inflation multi-year deal and is seeking a partnership approach involving government and employers.

Chronic underfunding

Schools are struggling through chronic underfunding. Working class society cannot afford to ignore or condone the crisis. English primaries have the largest class sizes in Europe, secondaries the largest on record. More than a million are taught in classes of over 30 children.

• Across the country teachers are on alert for cuts as councils struggle with budgets. Educational Institute of Scotland members in Glasgow threatened a strike on 20 February in protest against further planned cut in staff numbers. The action was suspended pending talks with the council.