What's happened
On November 28, 2024, National Education Union (NEU) members at 32 non-academised sixth form colleges in England began a series of strikes demanding above-inflation pay increases. The NEU argues that teachers deserve the same funding as their counterparts in academised colleges, which received a 5.5% pay rise this year.
Why it matters
What the papers say
Eleanor Busby from The Independent reports that NEU members are striking due to perceived injustices in pay funding, stating, "No teacher wants to take strike action, but our members have voted overwhelmingly to do so in the face of a clear injustice by Government." Meanwhile, Richard Adams from The Guardian emphasizes the legal actions being taken by the SFCA, noting that the government’s funding decisions are seen as "illogical and, we believe, unlawful." This contrast highlights the tension between the unions and the government regarding educational funding and teacher compensation.
How we got here
The strikes stem from a July government announcement granting a 5.5% pay rise to teachers in England, which was fully funded for academised colleges but not for non-academised ones. This disparity has led to a recruitment and retention crisis in sixth form colleges.
Common question
-
Why are teachers striking in England?
Teachers across England are taking a stand, striking for better pay and equal funding. This action raises important questions about the state of education and the future of teaching in the country. What are the underlying issues? What does this mean for students and the education system as a whole? Here are some key questions and answers to help you understand the situation.
-
Why are teachers striking in England and what does it mean for education funding?
Teachers in England are currently striking for fair pay, raising important questions about education funding and the implications for students and schools. As the National Education Union (NEU) demands above-inflation pay increases, understanding the reasons behind these strikes and their potential impact is crucial for parents, students, and educators alike.
More on these topics
-
The National Education Union is a trade union in the United Kingdom for school teachers, further education lecturers, education support staff and teaching assistants.
-
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Wales to its west and Scotland to its north. The Irish Sea lies northwest of England and the Celtic Sea to the southwest. England is separated from continental Europe by
-
The Department for Education is a department of Her Majesty's Government responsible for child protection, education, apprenticeships and wider skills in England.
-
Daniel Kebede is a British trade union leader.
Kebede studied law at the University of Wales before becoming a schoolteacher. He taught in early years, primary and secondary schools, and became active in the National Union of Teachers.