Teachers say no winter strikes

The strike in April disrupted thousands of schools

Teachers in England and Wales will not stage further strike action over pay this year, after a close ballot.

Leaders of the National Union of Teachers decided against a rolling programme of industrial action despite a narrow vote in favour of one.

In April, about a third of schools in England and Wales were disrupted when the NUT staged a one-day strike.

In this ballot, 51.7% voted for industrial action, and 48.3% voted against. The turn-out was 29.7%.

Teachers have a three-year pay deal covering 2008 to 2011, but say this has has been overtaken by inflation.

The deal is worth 2.45% for this first year and and 2.3% for the next two years.

The NUT's action in April was biggest teachers' strike for 21 years. About one in 10 schools were closed by the action and 2.5 million pupils were affected.

In the ballot for the April action, NUT members voted by 75% to 25% in favour, but the turn-out was only 32%.

Other teaching unions did not support the strike.

Living standards

Christine Blower, NUT acting general secretary, said: "We did achieve a majority in the ballot, but it was not the biggest majority we've ever had and we needed to listen to those people who didn't think it was right to take strike action at present.

"Teachers' pay is inadequate but there are other things on teachers' minds at present given the current global situation.

"Colleagues continue to feel that pay levels for teachers are too low, which means that the case for 'Fair Pay for Teachers' has not gone away.

"More than 100 MPs have signed an Early Day Motion stressing the need for teachers to be paid fairly for the work they do.

"This is a clear indication that we are not alone in our fight to maintain teachers' living standards and ensure that education in this country does not suffer as a result of low recruitment, retention and morale.

"Our children need properly rewarded teachers."

Ms Blower said: "The fact is inflation is now at 5% and pay has only been upgraded by 2.45%. It remains an active concern."

'Parents relieved'

A spokeswoman for the Department of Children, Schools and Families said: “We are pleased that the NUT has acted responsibly. Parents will be relieved that their children’s education will not be disrupted further, and so are we.

"This government highly values the teaching profession and we know teachers are vital to our children, the economy and the country. That’s why since 1997 we have ensured that average teachers' pay has risen by 19% more than inflation.

"The independent pay review body is responsible for making recommendations to the Department on teachers’ pay levels, and we accepted its recommendations in full for a three year pay settlement."