Teachers agree NO more strikes for at least 2 weeks as they enter crunch pay talks after NHS deal

TEACHERS have agreed not to announce any more strikes for at least 2 weeks as they enter crunch pay talks.

Hopes are rising that months of crippling walkouts could be about to end after NHS leaders, unions and ministers came to a new pay deal agreement.

And teachers and junior doctor unions are being urged to get around the table to have a similar deal.

Deputy PM Dominic Raab said this morning "a similar offer is on the table"for other sectors like doctors.

A joint statement from the Government and teachers unions said today: “The Government and the education trade unions, Association of School and College Leaders, National Association of Head Teachers, NASUWT and National Education Union, have agreed to move into a period of intensive talks.

"The talks will focus on teacher pay, conditions and workload reduction.

“In order for talks to begin and, we hope, reach a successful conclusion, the NEU has confirmed it will create a period of calm for two weeks during which time they have said no further strike dates will be announced.

"The Education Secretary and all unions will meet today, beginning intensive talks, which will continue over the weekend.”

It comes after more teaching strikes caused chaos for parents this week.

Hundreds of thousands walked out in a long-running row over pay and conditions, causing havoc for parents.

Yesterday NHS leaders and ministers finally struck a deal after months of talks – leading to hopes this could be the end of crippling walkouts hurting the health service.

The offer will see NHS workers gain a four per cent consolidated pay rise in 2023-24.

It will also include a one off "NHS backlog bonus" payment for this year worth two per cent of a workers' salary for 2022/23.

The package will see newly qualified nurse salaries rise by more than £2,750 over two years.