Trade unions announce plans to re-ballot members
The National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) and NASUWT, The Teacher’s Union, have announced that they are both considering re-balloting their members following their recent failure to gather sufficient support to take industrial action.
Both unions, along with the National Education Union (NEU), are in dispute with the government over its pay deal for teachers – in which most teachers and senior leadership received a pay increase of 5%.
Concerns have been raised that, due to the ongoing Royal Mail strikes, many postal ballots were not received in time and had they been, the requisite support would have been recorded. NAHT have said nearly two thirds of members who requested a duplicate ballot did not receive them with sufficient time to vote.
Details as to when the ballots may re-open have not yet been confirmed, and whilst there is no minimum period of time that a ballot must remain open, it would be reasonable to presume that they will need to allow sufficient time to allow for postal ballots to be collected.
Proposed strike dates
NEU has already confirmed industrial action after reaching the necessary turnout threshold and its members will be taking part in seven days of strikes across February and March. Therefore, even if either NAHT or NASUWT receive sufficient support in a second ballot, the time taken to do so may mean we may see further strike dates being proposed later in the year.
In the meantime, negotiations between the unions and Secretary of State for Education, Gillian Keegan, are ongoing.
For schools or academies concerned about the impact strikes will have on their schools, and their ability to provide sufficient cover for staff during these periods, the DfE has published guidance on ‘handling strikes action on schools guidance’ and headteachers will be expected to ‘take all reasonable steps to keep the school open for as many pupils as possible’.
How we can help
We’re here to support you with practical guidance to help you plan for and manage industrial action.
Contact
Mark Hickson
Head of Business Development
onlineteaminbox@brownejacobson.com
+44 (0)370 270 6000
Related expertise
You may be interested in...
Online Event
Handling parent complaints against staff: Panel discussion
Legal Update
Navigating the future: A consultative approach to local government funding reform
Legal Update - Public matters newsletter
Public matters: December 2024
Online Event
Pupillage open evening
Press Release
Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill: Comments from education lawyers
Published Article
Navigating the future of local government finance: Strategies for maximising central government funding
Legal Update
School exclusions case confirms ‘substance over form’ is key
Press Release
Browne Jacobson continues strategic expansion in Wales with new corporate partner
Press Release
Comment on English devolution white paper
Legal Update
Taking account of a supplier’s approach to payment in major contracts procurement (PPN015 and PPN018): What is new?
Legal Update
Stark increase in rates of school suspensions and exclusions
Legal Update
Martyn’s Law: Paving the way for enhanced security measures across UK venues and events
Online Event
Embracing AI to improve school governance
Legal Update
Employment Rights Bill: Will it cost more to outsource public services and back-office functions?
Legal Update
A call to councils: Implementing effective tree management to prevent future tragedies
Legal Update
Navigating workplace sexual harassment laws during the festive season
Press Release
Comments on the latest SEND tribunal statistics
Press Release
Comments on new MHRA clinical trial regulations
On-Demand
Managing safeguarding allegations against staff
Press Release
Comments on the National Planning Policy Framework reform
Guide - PFI expiry
PFI expiry guidance for schools
Opinion
Revolutionising the Workforce: Impact of Get Britain Working White Paper
Legal Update
The latest take on vicarious liability for kinship / connected person foster care
Legal Update
Supreme Court shines a light on collective agreements
Press Release
Browne Jacobson advises Celtic Freeport as it opens for business
Press Release
Comments on the Prime Minister’s ‘Plan for Change’ speech
Legal Update
The power of storytelling (and curiosity)
Online Event
Supporting universities to meet their financial duties
Press Release
Browne Jacobson advises Oxford City Council on Barton Park affordable housing deal
Podcast - #EdInfluence
#EdInfluence podcast (series 4): In conversation with inspiring leaders
Press Release - School leaders survey
Browne Jacobson’s latest School Leaders Survey illustrates need for better SEND guidance as exclusions rise
Legal Update - Public matters newsletter
Public matters: November 2024
Press Release
New hires at Browne Jacobson will support schools with data compliance amid enhanced ICO scrutiny
Legal Update
The housing benefit subsidy deficit: Strategies for funding temporary accommodation
Legal Update
What’s in a name: ESG principles and UK local authorities
Opinion
Balancing employer flexibility and employee rights
Legal Update - School leaders survey
School Leaders Survey Autumn 2024: The results are in
Legal Update
How the Data (Use and Access) Bill will impact the public sector
Legal Update - Be Connected (schools)
Be Connected: Schools and academy trusts November 2024
