Teachers Considering New Pay Offer

Teachers have suspended their 'work to rule' industrial action as they consider a multi year pay offer.

The NASUWT has called off their 'action short of strike' to ballot members on a fresh offer from the States Employment Board.

It is reported to include a further 8% increase in January 2024, plus a £1,000 one-off payment.

There would be inflation-linked increases in 2025 and 2026 too.

A 7.9% uplift for 2023, rejected by the teaching unions, was applied in August and backdated to last January. 

 Deputy Elaine Millar, who became vice-chair of the States Employment Board last week, made this statement about the latest negotiations:

“A pay offer for 2024, 2025 and 2026 has been made to the NASUWT and the NEU.

The NASUWT have confirmed that they are prepared to withdraw the action short of strike action to enable the union to consult with members on the latest offer from the employer on a without prejudice basis.

We are waiting for the NEU to confirm to the States Employment Board that they will put the latest offer to their members.

Pay negotiations are private and confidential, we are therefore unable to provide details of the pay offer at this time.”

The NASUWT escalated action last Monday, forcing some schools to push back opening times because of a shortage of staff due to teachers only working their core hours.

Commenting on the suspension of action in Jersey, NASUWT General Secretary Dr Patrick Roach said:

“It is regrettable that it took an escalation of action short of strike action to obtain an offer that was worthy of consultation with our members.

However, the NASUWT’s National Action Committee has agreed to suspend all industrial action whilst we consult with members over the latest offer.

We will continue to support members to ensure they receive a fair deal on pay and working conditions.”

The NEU, whose members are due to walkout for three days next week, are being balloted on the new offer too.

Voting will close on Wednesday afternoon, and members will meet that evening to discuss the results.

If next week's strikes go ahead, it will be the fourth set off walkouts by teachers this year.

In October, headteachers accepted an improved pay offer which included a one-off payment of around 2.5% to be paid out of the Education Department's budget.

The government has also pledged to 'address the impacts' of changes to school leader's roles by 31 October 2024, with a further one-off payment if that work hasn't been completed.