Teachers work to rule as dispute escalates

Members of NASUWT will refuse to take on any work outside regular hours

Teachers in Jersey are now working to rule in a dispute over pay.

Members of NASUWT, which is locked in negotiations with the States over a new multi-year pay deal, will not take on any work outside regular hours.

It comes as Deputy Elaine Millar takes over as vice chairman of the States Employment Board (SEB) from Constable Andy Jehan, who quit at the weekend.

The union said it had been left with "no option" but to escalate the matter.

'Made a good offer'

The SEB said last week a one-off payment to ensure a 20-day notice of future proposed industrial action had been rejected by NASUWT.

Mr Jehan said: "It's really disappointing. We thought we had made a good offer... we made a binding arbitration back in June, which the unions have repeatedly turned down."

The union had previously agreed to a backdated pay award of 7.9% and negotiations on a multi-year pay award are continuing.

It said it was seeking an increase of 5% above the rate of inflation each year between 2024 to 2026.

NASUWT general secretary Dr Patrick Roach accused the government of "failing to honour the agreement reached previously".

"Industrial action is a last resort for our members, who have been left with no option than to escalate their industrial action," he said.

"Members will continue to focus on the learning of their pupils. Children’s education will not be affected as a result of the action being taken by NASUWT members."

The dispute comes at the same time the National Education Union continues its industrial action over a separate disagreement on pay.

It said its members had been disappointed the government recently offered head teachers more money and said strikes would go ahead on 12, 13 and 14 December.