Dispute update
Thank you for your patience, understanding and support while your NEU representatives have been engaged in intensive negotiations on the implementation of the Independent Review of Teacher Workload Action Plan.
As members will know, the Independent Review found that teacher workload in Northern Ireland is unsustainable and is causing significant harm to teachers, school leaders, the profession and the quality of education available to young people. The review made 27 recommendations designed to address these issues and deliver meaningful, enforceable and lasting reductions in workload for all teachers.
Over recent weeks, NEU has engaged constructively and in good faith with the Department of Education and Management Side to secure implementation of these recommendations. While significant progress has been made during these discussions and agreements in principle would have the potential to deliver the workload reductions envisaged by the Independent Review, we have been unable to secure a resolution to reduce teacher workload.
As a result, NEU are not in a position to extend the current industrial action ballot timetable.
Industrial action is one of the most important tools available to trade union members in protecting pay, terms and conditions, workplace practices and other matters affecting members' interests. It is never undertaken lightly and is always considered a last resort, after all reasonable efforts to resolve issues through discussion and negotiation have been exhausted.
What happens next?
Industrial action will commence on 28 September 2026. Members are instructed to follow these actions from 28 September 2026.
However, we want to be absolutely clear that NEU remains committed to reaching an agreement and securing the full implementation of the Independent Review recommendations and an agreed implementation action plan.
The commencement of industrial action should not mean the end of negotiations. We remain available and willing to continue discussions on the detailed implementation of the proposals and to work constructively with all parties to secure meaningful and lasting workload reductions for teachers and school leaders.
Our objective has not changed. We want to see the Independent Review recommendations fully implemented, unnecessary workload removed from schools, and immediate improvements made to the working lives of our members.
Teachers have waited long enough for tangible change to their workload. Thank you for your continued support and engagement throughout this campaign.
Formal ballot over workload
Teachers in Northern Ireland (NI) were balloted on taking industrial action over the government’s failure to reduce workload pressures.
The NEU, which is in dispute with the Department of Education NI because it has not agreed an implementation action plan for the independent review of workload published in November 2025, posted ballot papers on 10 June.
Members were asked if they were prepared to strike or take action short of strike action. This could include refusing to supervise extracurricular activities, undertake administrative or clerical tasks not routinely expected of a teacher, attend meetings in noncontact time or submit lesson plans.
You will be aware that the NEU, alongside the other NITC unions, has now formally advised the Minister of Education of a Trade Dispute in relation to the failure to deliver an implementation plan capable of fully delivering the 27 recommendations of the Independent Review of Workload. The Minister of Education published an action plan to implement the independent review of workload.
Independent panel review of workload recommendations
This letter is intended to provide an update to teachers and school leaders regarding the recommendations from the Independent Review Panel on Workload and sets out recent discussions at the Teachers Negotiating Committee. You will be aware that the Minister’s formal response to the Independent Review, along with a framework for implementation to deliver meaningful and sustainable change, is due to be published by DE in April. NEU will review the framework when received and update you accordingly.
Pay
Teachers' pay offer 2025/26
NEU members accept offer - 88.56% of members who voted, said Yes to the offer, and 11.44% said No.
As previously advised, it is expected that your pay increase, including back pay up to 1 September 2025, will be included in your February salary. Read more about the pay offer.
The details of new pay scales and allowance following the new pay agreement from September 2025 for teacher members in Northern Ireland can be found at Circular 2026/07 Teachers' Pay and Allowances from 1 September 2025 | Department of Education.