Teachers’ Negotiating Committee proposes 5.5% pay increase for NITC
The formal offer includes a 5.5% cost of living increase for teachers and a 5.5% increase in teaching and special needs allowances from 1 September 2024
The Management side of the Teachers’ Negotiating Committee has submitted a revised formal offer of a 5.5% pay increase to the Northern Ireland Teaching Council (NITC) to resolve the current industrial dispute regarding teachers’ pay.
The formal offer includes a 5.5% cost of living increase for teachers and a 5.5% increase in teaching and special needs allowances from 1 September 2024, as well as a commitment to jointly deliver over 25 measures to address workload with the NITC and a commitment that future pay offers will be made as quickly as possible and by no later than the end of January of the same financial year.
If accepted by 31 March 2025, the agreement will bring an end to the current industrial action with immediate effect.
The Northern Ireland Teaching Council will now consult their respective memberships following which they will advise Management Side of the outcome before 28 March 2025.
Eve Bremner, chair of Management Side, said: “This is a significant offer which, if accepted, will both increase teachers’ pay, comparable to the increases agreed in other public sectors, and enable meaningful progress to be made on workload issues raised by teachers and school leaders.
“It is also important for pupils and teachers that there is greater stability moving forward, so are pleased that the NITC advised the offer would achieve this, having been assured it does not affect their right to lawful, legitimate action.”
John Trueman, director of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) Northern Ireland, added: “We believe that the 5.5% offer on pay is appropriate given the awards which were made in England and Wales – this represents fair pay for the exemplary work undertaken by teachers and leaders alike. We also welcome the focus on workload and the specific proposals within the agreement to tackle this constructively over the coming 12 months.
“We are hopeful that this offer signals an end to the ongoing industrial action and a meaningful reset in industrial relations as described in the offer.”