NAHT welcomes 4% uplift in teacher salaries

The National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) has welcomed the government’s announcement of a 4% pay uplift for all teaching staff salaries, and 3.2% for school support staff. 

It comes as the teachers’ pay review body has once again listened to the union’s evidence and recommended a pay award higher than the Department for Education’s initial recommendation.

Paul Whiteman, general secretary of NAHT, said: “While there remains some way to go to achieve full pay restoration, this uplift is another step in the right direction. Further investment is critical to recruiting and retaining the high-quality professionals that the nation’s children need.

“NAHT welcomes the timeliness of the STRB’s work, government’s decision making, and a consultation period that will conclude in time for pay decisions to be implemented for the start of the new academic year.” 

However, the union has flagged some concerns about the affordability of this year’s pay uplift. 

Whiteman added: “The news that the schools will be receiving additional funding to help cover some of the costs is welcome, but they will remain concerned that they will still need to find a proportion from within their existing budget allocations.

“Moving forwards, we are keen to discuss with the government the possibility of a future multi-year approach to pay and funding that gives greater certainty for teachers, leaders and government alike. This would provide valuable space to devise a new and effective pay system to meet the government’s ambition to restore teaching as a high-quality graduate career choice.”

Following the announcement, NAHT will be seeking the views of its members.