The NASUWT, the largest teachers’ union in Northern Ireland, has today rejected the latest pay offer for 2015/16 for teachers and principals made by the Management Side of the Teachers Negotiating Committee (TNC).

The 1% pay offer would continue the severe erosion of teachers’ pay and is also contingent on provisions that would potentially depress pay levels even further in the longer term.

The NASUWT is calling for an across the board above inflation cost of living award.

Chris Keates, General Secretary of the NASUWT,said:

“The attitude of the employers towards teachers is disgraceful. Having made one offer which was inadequate they returned with one which was worse.

“The NASUWT presented detailed evidence demonstrating the impact of years of ongoing pay caps and pay freezes on teachers’ salaries and the employers have failed to take these concerns seriously.

“Pay has declined. Workload has increased. Jobs have been lost.

“Teachers’ pay and conditions of service are inextricably linked to the provision of high quality education.

“Accepting the latest offer from the employers would be a betrayal; not only of teachers, but of the children and young people they teach.

 “Any pay offer should at its heart have the purpose of attracting and retaining teachers to the profession.

“The fact that teachers are still waiting for their 2015 pay increase has an intensely damaging effect on morale. Teachers and pupils deserve better.

“The NASUWT will now have to give serious consideration to the next steps.”

Justin McCamphill, NASUWT National Official Northern Ireland, said:

“With substantial cuts to pay teaching is no longer competitive with other graduate professions.

“Teachers are subject to continuing pressure and high workload and pay levels which recognise and reward their skills and abilities are vital.

“Teachers continue to deliver high standards of education day-in, day-out, but their dedication and commitment to the children and young people they teach must not be taken for granted.”