Head teachers pay talk 'breakthrough'

Tuesday 21 May 2019

Head teachers have voted to accept a new pay deal from the government after it agreed to close a loophole that led to some heads being paid less than more junior staff.

Teachers will no longer be able to paid more than a Deputy Head Teacher, and Deputy Heads will no longer be paid more than a Head Teacher under new rules.

The leadership model change came as Head Teachers and Deputy Head Teachers agreed to a new three-year pay offer.

Speaking in the States Assembly this morning, the Chief Minister, Senator John Le Fondré, confirmed the arrangements, stating that 69% of heads had voted in favour of the offer. He added that work was still underway to reach a pay deal with teachers - many of whom are striking for three days this week.

Pictured: The Chief Minister said things are moving forward but warned that "we've not yet built the house."

Responding to a query from St. Saviour Deputy Jess Perchard, who is a former teacher, Senator Le Fondré said that the offer currently being put to teachers involves consideration of their working terms and conditions.

While he expressed hope that things were moving forward, he warned: "We're establishing the foundations, but we've not yet built the house."

He said the next face-to-face meeting with teachers' unions - NASUWT and the NEU, who are leading this weeks' strikes - would take place on Friday, while phone discussions were continuing during the week.

In a statement released by the government following this morning's exchange, Senator Le Fondré was quoted as saying he expected to make an "improved pay offer" to teachers "by the middle of June."

Pictured: Senator Le Fondré said he expected to make an "improved pay offer" by the middle of June.

Stressing his aversion to further industrial action, he continued: "We need to reach a resolution and provide the certainty that is necessary for the Island’s children and their parents, especially at a time when many will be facing important examinations. I do not want to see this process further prolonged and causing damage to our student’s education."

Express revealed earlier this month that the SEB had suggested longer school days and more inset days for teachers in return for their desired cost-of-living pay rise.

Speaking at the time, local NEU representative Brendan Carolan said that they would prefer to settle the pay dispute ahead of any agreements over work terms.