Teachers in England's National Education Union (NEU) will not strike in the autumn term, as they have accepted the government's pay offer. The UK's largest teaching union, NEU, reported that 86% of its members voted to accept the 6.5% pay rise.
Both parties in the dispute confirmed that the pay offer was "properly funded" and would not affect existing school budgets. Education Secretary Gillian Keegan expressed that the acceptance of the offer was positive news for teachers, parents, and students.
Four teaching unions demanded above-inflation pay rises funded by additional government money to safeguard school budgets. NEU teachers have undertaken eight days of strike action in England since February, leading to school closures.
The union re-balloted members on potential further strikes, with 95% voting for strike action in the future. However, now that the pay offer has been accepted, the NEU will not hold additional strikes. The ASCL union previously accepted the offer, while the decisions of the NAHT and NASUWT unions are yet to be announced.
The latest pay offer was announced by ministers on July 13, with joint agreement on "wider reforms" to reduce staff workload. The NEU's support staff members in England also accepted the pay deal, after not meeting the required turnout for strike action earlier in the year.
Dr. Mary Bousted and Kevin Courtney, joint general secretaries of the NEU, acknowledged that the strike action had influenced pay negotiations earlier in the year. They emphasized the need for an education system that attracts and retains teaching staff, ensuring every child receives the attention and support they deserve.