The government and education unions have agreed to “intensive talks” on teacher pay, conditions and workload reduction, which have sparked a series of strikes by teachers in recent months, it has been announced.
The talks will involve unions including the National Education Union (NEU), whose members were on strike in England earlier this week.
The news came after a breakthrough in the NHS dispute on Thursday, with leaders of nurses, ambulance crews and other health workers agreeing to suspend further industrial action while ballots are held on a new pay offer.
A joint statement by the government and education unions said: “The government and the education trade unions, Association of School and College Leaders, National Association of Head Teachers, NASUWT and National Education Union, have agreed to move into a period of intensive talks. The talks will focus on teacher pay, conditions and workload reduction.
“In order for talks to begin and, we hope, reach a successful conclusion, the NEU has confirmed it will create a period of calm for two weeks during which time they have said no further strike dates will be announced.
“The education secretary and all unions will meet today, beginning intensive talks, which will continue over the weekend.”