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Pay in Northern Ireland

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NASUWT and the battle for pay parity

Relentless pressure by the NASUWT secured a 2.45% pay increase for all teachers in Northern Ireland from October 2008 backdated to 1 September 2008. A 2.3% increase in teachers' salaries will take effect from 1 September 2009. 

The NASUWT have initiated a Parity Now! Campaign in Northern Ireland.

Teachers' Salaries and Conditions of Service Committee (Schools)

The Teachers' Salaries and Conditions of Service Committee (Schools) was established to reach agreement on teachers' pay and conditions of service of teachers in grant aided schools in Northern Ireland.

On 27 November 2007 the NASUWT submitted directly to the Education Minister Catriona Ruane a claim for substantial improvements in pay and conditions of service to secure parity with teachers in England and Wales.

Chris Keates, General Secretary of the NASUWT, said:

“The NASUWT has explored every option to seek to avoid industrial action but for years we have met nothing but delay, prevarication or failure to respond.

“It is scandalous that the commitment and effort put in by the dedicated teaching workforce in Northern Ireland still does not attract the level of reward and conditions of service benefits which are the norm for their teaching colleagues elsewhere. That the NASUWT has had no option but to conduct a national ballot to enforce these provisions rather than Ministers and Employers taking the initiative is equally scandalous.

“Teachers require working conditions to enable them to continue to raise standards. Failure to address the needs of teachers is equally a failure to address the needs of the pupils.”

Notices to employers of the action to be taken and the action instructions to members were issued at the beginning of January 2009.

Pay Scales

The current Teachers' Pay Scales and information on Teaching Allowances and the Salary Sacrifice Scheme are set out in Circular 2009/13 Teachers' Pay and Allowances from 1 September 2009 (new window). The Employers have also issued further Guidance on Teaching Allowances (new window). A NASUWT Salary Card for 'Teachers Salaries (Northern Ireland) 2008-2010' is available in the 'Resources' box on the top right hand side of this page.

Threshold and Upper Pay Spine Progression

The Employing Authorities have issued a Threshold letter to schools (new window) that outlines the threshold arrangements from September 2007 which included the following guidance and forms:

The Employing Authorities have also issued a UPS letter to schools (new window) outlining Upper Pay Scale (UPS) progression arrangements from September 2007 which included the following guidance and forms:

Performance Management

The Performance Review and Staff Development (PRSD) Scheme (new window), effective from 1 September 2004, applies to principals and teachers employed in grant-aided schools in Northern Ireland.

The Department of Education has also produced Guidance for Governors and Principals (new window).

Family Friendly Rights

The Department for Employment and Learning provide information and guidance on work and family rights for Working Parents and Carers (new window).

Full guidance on maternity rights is available in the booklet Maternity Rights – a guide for employers and employees (new window).

Advice on the legal requirements in assessing risks in relation to new and expectant mothers’ job activities is set out in the Health and Safety Executive booklet New and Expectant Mothers at Work: A Guide for Employers (new window).

Members have the right to apply to work flexibly where they have:

  • children aged under 17;
  • disabled children aged under 18; or
  • carer responsibilities

The NASUWT has produced general guidance on requesting Flexible working. 

The Teachers’ Job Share Scheme has been agreed between the Management and Teachers’ Side of the Northern Ireland Teachers’ Negotiating Committee and reflects the commitment of the Employing Authority and Boards of Governors to equality of opportunity. The full details for the scheme are contained within the Job Share Scheme TNC Circular 2009/4 (new window).

The NASUWT, through the Northern Ireland Teachers’ Council, successfully negotiated the opportunity for teachers to participate in salary sacrifice schemes for childcare vouchers/benefits, cycles for work and mobile phones. Information on the Salary Sacrifice Scheme are set out in Circular 2006/27 Teachers' Pay and Allowances from 1 September 2006 and 1 September 2007 (new window).

Temporary workers and substitute teachers

Any teacher taking on a temporary or ‘fixed-term’ contract should consult the Union.

Further information or assistance

Members needing further information or assistance should contact the Northern Ireland National Centre.