Members of NASUWT – The Teachers’ Union in Northern Ireland have voted overwhelmingly in support of industrial action, following the Department of Education’s sustained failure to deliver a credible implementation plan for the 27 recommendations of the Independent Review of Workload.

92.04% of members voted in support of strike action, with 98.63% voting in support of action short of strike action. Turnout was 54.89%.

Matt Wrack, NASUWT General Secretary, said:

“NASUWT members have delivered a resounding message to the Minister of Education Paul Givan by voting for industrial action. They are adamant that they are not prepared to tolerate a situation where workload is unaddressed and are fully prepared to take either strike action or action short of strike in furtherance of this campaign.

“This strength of feeling must now be recognised, and the Minister and employers must move decisively to ensure that workload is fully addressed. Failure to properly address workload will inevitably lead to robust industrial action.

“Teachers in Northern Ireland continue to raise concerns about workload, bureaucracy, and the challenges facing the profession. They are calling on the Department of Education to provide clearer direction and take meaningful steps to address issues that many believe are affecting teacher wellbeing and morale.

Maxine Murphy-Higgins, 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 placed on teachers.”