Strike action planned for Monday 21st and Tuesday 22nd July by members of NASUWT - The Teachers’ Union at Moorside Primary School in Swinton has been withdrawn to enable further talks to take place aimed at resolving the dispute, and allow time for the employer to demonstrate that much needed measures are being put in place.

NASUWT members at the school have been taking strike action as a result of the failure of school leadership and governors to deal with a number of concerns related to health and safety, pay practices, safeguarding, adverse management practices and dangerous pupil behaviour.

While these issues remain a concern for NASUWT teachers, the Union has withdrawn the final two scheduled days of action due to take place next week as a gesture of goodwill to facilitate further negotiations and implement necessary changes within the school. There is much more work to do to fully resolve the concerns ahead of the new school year in September.

Separately, NASUWT has asked Salford City Council to remind schools of their obligations under the law after agency workers were hired to cover for striking staff on the first two days of strike action on 8th and 9th July. This was despite the school stating that they were following DfE advice, which explicitly states this is unlawful.

Such actions are a breach of the Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Businesses Regulations 2003, which prohibit the supply of agency workers to perform the duties of striking employees.

Matt Wrack, NASUWT Acting General Secretary, said:

“We remain in dispute with the school and although some limited progress has been made in the talks held so far, we believe the employer can and must go further to address members’ concerns.

“However, we remain focused on finding a resolution to the dispute and we hope the withdrawal of next week’s action will enable greater progress to be made.

“As part of the talks we will be seeking assurances from Salford City Council that it will remind schools of their obligation to follow the laws around industrial action and that it supports their lawful right to take strike action.” 

Jac Casson, NASUWT National Executive Member for Greater Manchester, said:

“We have been overwhelmed by the huge level of support our members have received from parents during this dispute and their understanding that teachers’ working environment is the learning environment of their children. It’s clear that the school community shares a deep commitment to the wellbeing of all children, and that includes supporting the staff who care for and educate pupils every day, which they have continued to do in very difficult circumstances.

“We hope that the progress made is maintained, and that the assurances offered by the employer are implemented and taken seriously. While we hope it will not be necessary, if progress does not continue, and further meaningful changes are not delivered, NASUWT members will resume action in the autumn term.”