ASCL: NUT strike 'disappointing'

The National Union of Teachers' (NUT) decision to strike has been described as a disappointment by Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL).

The NUT claims the pay offer from the government should be higher to reflect rising inflation and teachers' increasing workloads.

However, Dr John Dunford, general secretary of ASCL, claims unions should stick by the pay award from the Teachers' Review Body.

He said: "I am disappointed that the NUT has voted in favour of strike action over a pay award that represents a good deal for teachers in the present climate.

"The pay award results from the report of the independent School Teachers' Review Body, which the government accepted in full.

"The award is therefore the result of a process in which all unions, including the NUT, play a part by giving written and oral evidence and having talks with the secretary of state."

He explained the process for setting teachers' pay has delivered well for the teaching profession over the last ten years.

"A single organisation should not seek to impose its viewpoint at any point in this process," Dr Dunford concluded.