This letter sets out the united response of our unions on the key issues relating to the STRB’s 36th Report and the Government’s response to the Report. Teachers and school leaders are united in their view that the 3.5 per cent increase is not enough to guard against the rising upward trajectory of inflation and begin the much-needed process of pay restoration.
The announcement of 16 September provided clarity on funding the pay award confirming that £500 million will not be clawed back by the Government from reduced contribution rates to the Local Government Pension Scheme. The £500 million covers the shortfall in funding for the pay award nationally, but individual schools will be impacted differently and we want to ensure that no school is adversely affected.
We hope that you as the new Secretary of State will agree with us that the Government must now enter into discussions on a long-term solution to school funding and pay cuts. It is essential for the Treasury to fund the improvements in pay and conditions needed to solve the recruitment and retention crisis and support our children’s education. We hope therefore that you will respond positively to our call for the additional funding and improvements in pay and conditions needed to make Labour’s promise of change at the last election real.
The long delay in publishing the STRB report was unacceptable. We urge you to avoid such delays in the future.