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Allinson calls on other unions to follow NAHT lead

Hopes proposal will bring breakthrough in dispute

The education minister hopes other teaching unions will follow the NAHT, after its members voted to support a new pay offer.

In a ballot held this week, those in the headteachers' union voted to support the deal, which addresses historic pay and other issue.

It's also stopped its industrial action short of strike, with some calling it a significant step towards ending the year-long dispute with government.  

Dr Alex Allinson has called on the three other bodies involved to 'join in constructive consultation' with his department.

It's not yet known if ASCL or the NEU have responded to the proposed deal- the NASUWT, the largest union, is still consulting members.

Dr Allinson has thanked NAHT members for their 'positive engagement', and hopes issues which have concerned pupils, parents and members can be addressed.

The deal itself seeks to address historic issues of pay parity with the UK, and includes a commitment to work more closely with teachers on education policies.

It also includes a 'reopener clause' to review wages here when changes are made in the UK.

Government has been unwilling to share the exact details of the proposal until agreement is reached with all of the unions.

The breakthrough comes amid a 'recruitment crisis' in education, with some teachers chosing to leave the Island due to Covid travel restrictions, pupil behaviour, and the pay dispute.  

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