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Teachers' strikes: What are they paid and will schools close? Teachers' strikes: What are they paid and will schools close?
(24 days later)
Pupils in Scotland are facing more disruption as teachers prepare to strike again in the coming weeks. Schools are facing further closures in Scotland as teachers prepare for a fresh wave of strike action.
Elsewhere in the UK, teachers are also considering industrial action over pay.Elsewhere in the UK, teachers are also considering industrial action over pay.
What's happening in Scotland?What's happening in Scotland?
A national teachers' strike will take place on 10 and 11 January. One day will target primaries, the other secondaries. In the following weeks, every school will face a further strike. A national teachers' strike by members of four teaching unions will take place on 10 and 11 January. One day will target primaries, the other secondaries. In the following weeks, every school will face a further strike.
Nearly every primary and secondary school, as well as many nurseries, were closed by a national strike on 24 November. It was carried out by members of the Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) and the Association of Head Teachers and Deputies Scotland (AHDS). Nearly every primary and secondary school, as well as many nurseries, were closed by a national strike in November. A smaller strike in December partially closed some schools.
A strike by other unions on 7 and 8 December led to some schools being partially closed. The strikes taking place in January
Will teachers strike across the UK? Will teachers strike elsewhere in the UK?
A number of ballots about whether to strike are open: A number of strike ballots are about to close:
The NASUWT ballot, covering staff in schools and sixth form colleges in England, Scotland, and Wales, closes on 9 January The NASUWT ballot, covering staff in schools and sixth form colleges in England and Wales, closes on 9 January
The NAHT union represents head teachers and other school leaders in England and Wales. It's ballot closes on 11 January The NAHT union represents head teachers and other school leaders in England and Wales. Its ballot closes on 11 January
The NEU is the largest education union in the UK, with 300,000 members in England and Wales, although not all are teachers. Its ballot closes on 13 JanuaryThe NEU is the largest education union in the UK, with 300,000 members in England and Wales, although not all are teachers. Its ballot closes on 13 January
The ASCL, representing school and college leaders, is consulting its members about whether to hold a formal ballot The ASCL, representing school and college leaders, has consulted its members and is deciding whether to hold a formal ballot
Teachers from five unions in Northern Ireland have already begun action short of a strike - affecting meeting attendance and administrative tasks. Teachers from five unions in Northern Ireland are continuing to take action short of a strike - affecting meeting attendance and administrative tasks.
Lecturers and other university staff have also been striking over pay, pensions and working conditions. Lecturers and other university staff across the UK have also been striking over pay, pensions and working conditions.
Why are teachers striking?Why are teachers striking?
It's about pay.It's about pay.
In Scotland, teachers rejected a 5% increase, arguing for 10%.In Scotland, teachers rejected a 5% increase, arguing for 10%.
A new offer designed to prevent national strikes included rises of up to 6.85% for the lowest paid. But the EIS - Scotland's largest teaching union - dismissed it as "insulting". A further offer designed to prevent the strikes before Christmas included rises of up to 6.85% for the lowest paid. But the EIS - Scotland's largest teaching union - dismissed the deal as "insulting".
Most state-school teachers in England and Wales had a 5% rise this year. In Northern Ireland many teachers have been offered 3.2% over the past two years. Most state-school teachers in England and Wales had a 5% rise in 2022. In Northern Ireland many teachers have been offered 3.2% for 2021/22 and 2022/23.
Unions argue that inflation above 11% means these increases are really pay cuts. But unions argue that inflation above 10% means these increases are really pay cuts.
Teachers' representatives want schools to be given extra money - so that pay increases don't come from existing budgets. Teachers' representatives also want schools to be given extra money to make sure that pay increases don't have to come from existing budgets.
Which workers are allowed to go on strike?Which workers are allowed to go on strike?
The strikes taking place in December
How much do teachers get paid?How much do teachers get paid?
The starting salary for teachers in England is due to rise to £30,000 a year by September 2023.The starting salary for teachers in England is due to rise to £30,000 a year by September 2023.
Last year, state school classroom teachers in England were paid an average of £38,982. This compares with £39,009 in Wales and £40,026 in Scotland. Northern Ireland's government did not provide a figure. State school classroom teachers in England were paid an average of £38,982 in the 2021/22 school year. This compares with £39,009 in Wales and £40,026 in Scotland. Northern Ireland's government did not provide a figure.
The average head teacher's salary in England last year was £74,095, and £57,117 for other senior leaders. The average head teacher's salary in England for the same period was £74,095, and £57,117 for other senior leaders.
Experts in England advise the government about teacher pay, based on factors including vacancies, subject shortages and competition from other jobs.Experts in England advise the government about teacher pay, based on factors including vacancies, subject shortages and competition from other jobs.
As with all public spending, money allocated to England determines what funding is awarded to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.As with all public spending, money allocated to England determines what funding is awarded to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Are teachers in the top 10% of earners in some areas?
Would pay demands cost an extra £28bn?
Do schools close if teachers strike?Do schools close if teachers strike?
In Scotland, local councils decide.In Scotland, local councils decide.
In England, it's up to head teachers. There are no minimum staffing rules.In England, it's up to head teachers. There are no minimum staffing rules.
Head teachers are also responsible in Wales, in consultation with local authorities.Head teachers are also responsible in Wales, in consultation with local authorities.
If my child's school closes, can I get time off work?If my child's school closes, can I get time off work?
You have the right to take time off work to help a dependant - such as your child - if normal arrangements are disrupted.You have the right to take time off work to help a dependant - such as your child - if normal arrangements are disrupted.
But you won't necessarily get paid under this rule, which applies to England, Scotland and Wales.But you won't necessarily get paid under this rule, which applies to England, Scotland and Wales.
It may also be possible to have unpaid parental leave. However, this needs to be arranged in advance, and usually taken in week-long blocks.It may also be possible to have unpaid parental leave. However, this needs to be arranged in advance, and usually taken in week-long blocks.
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