Third teaching union backs calls for industrial action

The head teachers' union voted in favour of industrial action over a pay dispute

The head teachers' union in Jersey has voted in favour of industrial action over an ongoing pay dispute.

They join members of the National Education Union (NEU) and NASUWT who voted in favour of the industrial action earlier in June.

All three unions have rejected a government offer of a 7.9% rise - the same as for other public sector workers.

The National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) said 86% of its members voted in favour of strike action, with 98% supporting action short of striking.

The government said it was working "closely with all schools" regarding the industrial action, "which may affect schools opening or other school activities".

The action, which will start on Wednesday 5 July, means members will "refuse to engage with government requests", including responding to calls or emails outside core hours, meetings or data requests.

Carl Howarth, president of NAHT Jersey, said the action would "protect and sustain the future of education in our island".

He said: “Our members have suffered significant pay degradation over a number of years and the employer has agreed that our data is accurate.

“A good education is the bedrock of a society's success and as the island's educational leaders, we are making clear this is at risk."

The government said parents and carers should "wait to hear" from the school directly about "how any action will impact on the school".

"The difficulty any changes to the school day places on parents and carers is acknowledged," it said.