Schools could face fresh strikes in autumn as teachers vote for industrial action

Teachers in England represented by the NASUWT union have voted in favour of industrial action in a dispute over pay, meaning schools could face further strike action in autumn.

Nearly nine out of 10 teacher members of the NASUWT union who voted in the ballot backed strike action.

The union - which passed the 50 per cent ballot turnout required by law - has said it plans to stage continuous action short of strike action starting in September.

Dates for strike action in the autumn term will also be considered and it will be coordinated with other unions where possible, the union said.

Overall, 88.5 per cent of NASUWT teacher members in England who voted in the ballot backed strikes and 94.3 per cent backed action short of strikes, with a turnout of 51.9 per cent.

Patrick Roach, NASUWT general secretary, said: “Today our members have sent a strong message to the government and to employers that teachers demand a better deal on pay and to address excessive workload and working hours.

“Our members have secured the largest mandate for industrial action by the NASUWT in over a decade, exceeding the government's anti-trade union ballot thresholds.

“We have today written to the government and to employers confirming the prospect for industrial action in schools the length and breadth of the country from this autumn."