The government and education unions have agreed to hold “intensive talks” on the issues that have sparked a series of teacher strikes in recent months, it has been announced.
The talks, which will focus on pay, conditions and job cuts, will involve unions including the National Education Union (NEU), whose members went on strike in England earlier this week.
The news follows a breakthrough in the NHS dispute on Thursday, with leaders of nurses, ambulance crews and other health workers agreeing to suspend further industrial action while ballots are held on a new pay offer.
The joint announcement of the Government and the Education Union states: “The Government and the Education Unions, the Association of School and College Heads, the National Association of Principals, NASUWT and the National Education Union, have agreed to move into a period of intensive talks.” Talks will focus on teacher salaries, conditions and reducing workload.
“In order for negotiations to begin and hopefully come to a successful conclusion, the NEU have confirmed that they will create a two-week lull in which they said no further strike dates will be announced.
“The Education Secretary and all unions will meet today, starting intensive talks, which will continue over the weekend.”
