Schools in England face additional disruption as academics stage second strike this week

Schools throughout England are dealing with widespread disruption as we speak as academics maintain their second strike this week.

Members of the National Education Union (NEU) might be heading to the picket line after the same walk-out on Wednesday resulted in many schools closing entirely or forced to reduce the number of classes held.

It comes amid a long-running dispute over pay, with union leaders warning strikes may proceed into the autumn except a deal may be reached.

The timing of the strike motion has been criticised by some as it’s set to disrupt end-of-year actions – together with journeys, sports activities days and transition days for pupils heading to new colleges.

But the NEU mentioned ministers may have simply ended the disruption by providing a greater pay deal to assist academics amid high inflation and the cost of living crisis.

Friday marks the eighth day particular person colleges in England have confronted walkouts by NEU members since February.

The authorities beforehand provided a £1,000 one-off cost to academics and a mean 4.5% rise for employees subsequent yr college yr.

But all 4 training unions have rejected the provide, with the NEU accusing ministers of sitting on a report by the unbiased School Teachers’ Review Body, which it believes has advisable an increase of 6.5%.

Read extra:
Why teachers are striking – and how your child is affected
Thousands of teachers ‘endure toxic mix’
I’m a teacher – here’s why I voted to go on strike

NEU joint basic secretary Kevin Courtney mentioned: “No trainer desires to be taking strike motion and this week’s strike motion mustn’t have been needed.

“The responsibility for it lies at the door of the Prime Minister and the Education Secretary who continue to refuse to re-enter negotiations with education unions to reach a settlement on a fully funded pay increase for teachers.”

The Department for Education insisted a “fair and reasonable” pay provide had been made to the unions and mentioned the federal government was “considering” the unbiased pay evaluate’s report.

A spokesperson added: “This strike action will see the cancellation of end of term events and important transition days to secondary schools, impacting children and causing more disruption for parents.”