AQW 17599/22-27 Written question to the Minister of Education
To ask the Minister of Education to detail what engagement has been undertaken regarding the 2024/2025 pay claim for teachers.
Asked by Nick Mathison MLA on 5 November 2024
- Answered
- Written
- After due date
- Tabled
- 5 November 2024
- Answer due by
- 20 November 2024
- Answered
- 21 November 202416 days after tabling
- Department
- Department of Education
- Priority question
- No
Answer
Through the Teachers’ Negotiating Committee (TNC) a joint pay group is operational and meetings have taken place with employers, sectoral support bodies and the recognised teaching trade unions (NITC) to explain and update them on the current financial pressures in Education and the current pay claim from NITC.
The NITC pay claim is substantially higher than what has been recommended by the UK Government and accepted by teachers in England.
In line with the requirements of Public Sector Pay Policy, any proposals for a teachers’ pay award must be affordable and this is proving difficult to resolve given the pressures that already face the education budget.
The Chair of TNC Management Side has also written to NITC formally requesting for a de-escalation and for the formal ballots to be stood down.
I will continue to do all I can to secure funding for an appropriate pay settlement for teachers.