NASUWT, the largest teachers’ union in Northern Ireland, has today served formal notice of an official industrial action ballot across all state-funded schools, following the Department of Education’s sustained failure to deliver a credible implementation plan for the 27 recommendations of the Independent Review of Workload.

The ballot will open on Wednesday 10 June and will close on Tuesday 1 September.

Matt Wrack, NASUWT General Secretary, said: “Teachers in Northern Ireland are saying, enough is enough. They are working unsustainable hours, drowning in bureaucracy, and seeing their profession stripped of dignity. The Department of Education has had every opportunity to act. Instead, it has offered delay, lack of clarity and continued confusion.

“We warned the Minister on 12 May that without a fully deliverable implementation plan capable of meeting all 27 recommendations of the Independent Review of Workload, we would have no choice but to ballot for industrial action. No credible plan has been forthcoming. Therefore, we will ballot our members for industrial action.

Justin McCamphill, NASUWT National Official for Northern Ireland said: “It is deeply regretful that we have arrived at this point, but the wellbeing of teachers and the quality of education for young people are on the line. Our members are exhausted”.

“Back in November 2025, the independent panel produced their report on workload, the NASUWT tried everything to get the recommendations in place in our schools at pace, but the Department have dragged their heels and lacked the courage to take on the difficult issues with clear statements about the requirements places on teachers”.

“Teachers will now give their verdict on the Minister’s plan”.