Over half (56%) of UK adults say teachers would be justified in taking industrial action if they were given a pay rise below inflation, polling carried out on behalf of NASUWT – The Teachers’ Union reveals today.

The poll by Savanta ComRes also found that support for industrial action was higher among parents, with 64% saying teachers were justified in taking industrial action if they were given a below-inflation rise.

Parents of children aged under 18 are more likely than those without children to say teachers would be justified in taking industrial action if they were given a pay rise below inflation (64% vs. 53%), with support highest among those with children aged 5-10 years old (72%).

On teacher pay, two thirds (66%) of adults said teachers should be better paid for the job they do.

Those aged 18-34 are most likely to say that teachers should be better paid for the job they do (78% vs. 67% among 35-54 year olds and 57% among those 55+).

Parents to children under 18 are more likely than those without children to say teachers should be better paid (72% vs. 63%), with support rising highest among those with children aged 5-10 years old (80%).

NASUWT General Secretary Dr Patrick Roach said:

“Parents clearly value the work of teachers and headteachers and believe that teachers should be better paid.

“The Government should be investing more in teachers, rather than cutting teachers’ pay and planning yet more cuts to children’s education.

“It’s time for the Government to restore the confidence of parents and the public by delivering a fully-funded real terms pay award for teachers and headteachers.”