Strikes could hit schools as teaching union threatens walkouts after Budget warning

Teaching Union Considers Strike Action

Leaders of the National Education Union (NEU) are preparing to meet this Saturday to discuss launching a formal strike ballot. The move follows growing frustration among teachers after warnings that government budget cuts could further strain education funding.

Up to 500,000 teachers across England and Wales could be asked to vote on industrial action if the government fails to address pay and resource shortfalls. Union officials argue that real-terms pay has declined for years, leaving many schools understaffed and teachers demoralized.

Concerns Over Budget Pressures

The union’s warning comes after the Chancellor’s autumn Budget, which education leaders claim does not provide enough financial support to sustain current staffing and services. NEU joint general secretary Mary Bousted said the government’s financial plan risks “driving experienced teachers out of the profession” if salaries remain stagnant while workloads increase.

“Teachers are being asked to do more with less, and schools cannot function properly under these pressures,” said Bousted.

Potential Impact on Schools

If the ballot proceeds and members vote in favor, strikes could disrupt schooling across the country early next year. The union is urging the government to reopen talks on funding and pay before escalation becomes unavoidable. Education officials have warned that any widespread industrial action could hinder student progress and add stress to struggling schools already facing recruitment challenges.

Author’s summary: The NEU may ballot half a million teachers for strikes following inadequate education funding in the government’s latest Budget.

more

MSN MSN — 2025-11-28

More News