The government will “not budge” on this year’s pay offer for teachers, the schools standards minister said today.
Speaking at an event run by the NASUWT teachers’ union at the Conservative Party Conference, Jonathan Gullis said that the current offer of a 5 per cent rise for experienced teachers is “where that will stay”.
Mr Gullis also said he remained “committed” to offer teachers a starting salary of £30,000.
The minister stated his intention to hold regular discussions with teaching union leaders, which he said would be “meaningful talks”.
But Patrick Roach, general secretary of the NASUWT, said the union could not have negotiations if the minister was going to go into them with a “closed mindset”.
Speaking about the teacher pay rise offer for this year, which is 5 per cent for experienced teachers but higher for newer recruits, Mr Gullis said: “The government is not going to budge on the 5 per cent - we remain that 5 per cent is where that will stay.
Teacher pay: the threat of strikes
“That pay review is not being reopened, that has been closed. I remain committed to the government manifesto commitment of a starting salary of £30,000.”
Mr Gullis added: “We will go through negotiations in good faith. I absolutely commit to Patrick at the NASUWT, and I commit to my colleagues at the National Education Union [NEU] as well and others, we will have meaningful talks. Those regular talks are not showcases.
“I will do everything I can to avoid any form of industrial action.”
He stressed the effect that industrial action by teachers could have on children, adding: “You cannot afford to waste a day in a child’s life.”
But Dr Roach, who was also on the panel at the event, said: “It seems to me that the minister has effectively thrown down the gauntlet. It seems to me the minister has said, ‘Bring it on.’
“You can’t have negotiations if you’re going into that with an absolutely closed mindset.
“We want to get around the table. We aren’t just here to be entertained by the minister. We want to get into discussions about how to avert potential industrial disputes. You don’t do that by saying, ‘I’ve got a fixed view.’”
Last month five education unions published a joint submission to the consultation on the School Teachers’ Review Body report on teacher pay and the government’s proposals for implementation of the recommendations.
The NEU teaching union opened voting to members in a preliminary ballot over strike action, while the NAHT school leaders’ union launched a consultation with members over their views on pay and funding.
Meanwhile, the NASUWT has previously said it is ”committed” to balloting its members on industrial action in the autumn term if an improved pay deal is not offered.
