NI Education: Teachers reject pay rise of 5.5%

In a joint statement, the Northern Ireland Teachers Council (NITC), the body which represents all unions, said that they remained “committed to engaging in further negotiations in an effort to reach clear and unrestricted pay award for teachers for 2024/25.”

The INTO’s Northern Secretary, and Secretary of NITC, Mark McTaggart said that “members and school leaders have informed us that they were unhappy with the perceived restrictions included in last weeks offer”.

“It is disappointing that ongoing negotiations have failed to find an amicable resolution,” he said.

“INTO remains committed to finding an uplift that is acceptable to our members, in the meantime, Action short of Strike will commence on Monday 10 February.”

The NAHT’s acceptance of the offer will not impact the overall failure of NITC to accept it, which has been the decision of the majority of union members.

But NAHT members may be expecting that their acceptance of the offer to be honoured.

Where this takes their union, made up of school leaders, remains to be seen as they have affirmed their commitment to consider their next steps in consultation with their membership.