Ballot update
Please read this update from Pauline Buchanan following intensive negotiations this week. We will not settle for promises that do not deliver real change in schools.
Members gave us a very strong mandate for industrial action, and we remain fully prepared and are ready to act on that mandate.
Further dates have been agreed for negotiations to move the outstanding issues forward as matter of urgency.
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.