Teachers Edge Towards Summer Strikes as Government Prepares Pay Verdict
With 96 per cent of National Education Union members rejecting an unfunded 6.5 per cent offer spread over three years, ministers face a fraught decision on the 2026 pay award that could trigger the first national school strikes since 2023.
Eleanor Whitfield
Writer ·
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- 96 per cent of NEU teacher members voted to reject the Government's offer
- More than 90 per cent of teachers indicated willingness to strike
- The DfE proposed 6.5 per cent over three years, unfunded
- Last year's award was 4 per cent for 2025/26, partly funded
- The Government's decision is expected before the summer term ends
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