SATs row threatens 'Summer of discontent' in schools
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Teachers' leaders are threatening the incoming government with a "summer of discontent" over public spending cuts and national curriculum tests.
They are also warning of strike action if there is any attempt to impose a pay freeze on teachers when a three-year deal runs out next year. Delegates to the National Union of Teachers (NUT) annual conference in Liverpool will be urged this weekend to back a call for strike action to oppose pay freezes, threats to their pensions and cuts in public services.
And union leaders will urge members to join in any co-ordinated campaign of industrial unrest with other public sector unions, such as health service workers and civil servants.
The Schools Secretary Ed Balls has already indicated there will have to be cuts totalling £1.1bn over two years in administrative costs. However, he has insisted front-line services such as schools will be protected. Christine Blower, general secretary of the NUT, argued: "Any cut is going to have an impact on the front-line services."
Action over spending cuts could happen as early as this summer as details of budget cuts become clearer. Teachers will receive the last stage of a three-year pay deal – a 2.3 per cent increase – in September. Michael Gove, the Tories' schools spokesman, has indicated there will be a public sector pay freeze by then if his party wins the election.
The NUT, in conjunction with the National Association of Head Teachers, is also balloting its members on boycotting national curriculum tests for 600,000 11-year-olds – due to start just four days after the expected general election date of 6 May. The results of the ballot are expected to be known on 16 April. Union leaders claim the "high stakes" of the tests – the results of which are used to compile league tables – have led to too much teaching for the tests in the final year of primary schooling.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments