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Teacher strikes have been called off across Wales this week after the Welsh Government made an improved pay offer.

Members of the National Education Union Cymru (NEU) had planned to strike on Wednesday March 15 and Thursday March 16.

The improved offer from Welsh Government will be an additional 1.5% on this years 5% pay award, with another 1.5% offered as a one-off payment.

As of September 2023, Welsh Government are also offering a further pay increase of 5% which is up from the 3.5% previously offered.

Teachers in Wales walked out on Thursday March 2 after the NEU rejected a new pay offer from the Welsh Government. The previous strike was on February 1.

Taken over two years for teachers on all spine points, the pay offer is worth 11.8% consolidated plus the 1.5% non-consolidated payment.

Teachers had wanted an above-inflation rise of about 12%.

The Welsh Government told unions if members were to benefit from a pay rise this year, they must reach an agreement by March 17. Teachers will now vote on the new pay offer.

Dr Mary Bousted and Kevin Courtney, joint general secretaries of the National Education Union, said:  “We thank the Welsh Government for the constructive manner in which they have pursued a solution to the current dispute over pay.

“It is vital that we do all we can, together, to combat the recruitment and retention crisis and ensure that more people join the profession and stay in the profession.

“The Welsh Government recognises this and has also understood the importance of the pay
offer being fully funded. They have also committed to working with us on tackling workload.”

School leaders to vote on pay offer from Welsh Government

Members of the union National Association of Headteachers Cymru are to be consulted on the latest offer on pay.

Following a members-only online meeting on Monday March 13 an electronic ballot will be sent out for all eligible members to vote on whether to accept the offer.

The ballot is due to close at noon on Friday March 24. NAHT Cymru will not be pausing ongoing action short of strike during that time but will continue to take action until an agreement is reached.