Teachers weigh 4% pay increase offer from management

Management has offered a 4% consolidated pay rise and a 4% increase to allowances for 2025/26; teacher unions will consult members before formally responding.

Management has formally offered teachers a 4% consolidated pay increase for the 2025/26 academic year and a 4% rise to all allowances, effective 1 September 2025. Management described the offer as reflecting a commitment to fair and competitive remuneration for teachers in Northern Ireland. The Northern Ireland Teachers Council, which represents the five main teacher unions, said teachers had hoped for more but believes the offer is the maximum possible in current financial circumstances. The offer will now be taken to member unions for consultation. Key details: - The formal offer is a 4% consolidated increase to all teacher salary scale points for 2025/26. - All allowances have been offered a 4% rise, effective 1 September 2025. - Management framed the pay proposal as the best achievable amid increasing financial pressures. - The Northern Ireland Teachers Council (NITC) will take the offer to its member unions for consultation and will formally respond once unions have provided their views. - The NASUWT is recommending its members accept the offer and said it matches the 4% award made to teachers in England and is not conditional. - Education Minister Paul Givan was given approval by the Stormont Executive to overspend his budget to allow the negotiations to take place, and the Department faces a projected deficit of around £267 million. Summary: Management and unions presented the offer as constrained by current public finances, while the NITC said teachers had hoped for a higher rise. Unions will consult their members and the NITC will then respond to the management side.