Teaching union rejects latest government pay offer

Members of the NEU have voted against the latest pay offer from the government

Members of the National Education Union (NEU) in Jersey have rejected the latest pay offer from the island's government.

The union said 75% of its members who voted refused to accept the deal of a 8% rise in 2024 on top of the 7.9% already agreed for 2023 and a pay rise in line with inflation for 2025 and 2026 - and a one-off payment of £1,000.

The rejection means teachers from the union will go ahead with strike action on Tuesday 12, Wednesday 13 and Thursday 14 December.

Another union, the NASUWT, is still considering the offer - and has suspended its industrial action.

It was the first attempt by the States Employment Board's (SEB) new Vice Chair, Deputy Elaine Millar, to end the ongoing dispute.

Ms Millar said the SEB was "extremely disappointed by the NEU’s decision to reject what we believe was a very good offer".

She said: "An offer that no other public servant has received, or will be receiving.

“As a result, the three days of strike action by NEU members next week will severely impact pupils, parents and our community.”

Caryn Symons, the NEU's senior regional officer, said the SEB needed to "provide an offer that remains attractive to those teachers living in Jersey and those considering coming to the island to work".

She said: "The current offer simply does not address the real terms pay cut and the issues being experienced in Jersey by the escalating costs of living.

"It is disappointing that we remain in the position where our teachers are left with no alternative but to show their disapproval of the offer by withdrawing their labour next week.”