NI education: Unions agree 4% pay rise

Teaching unions in Northern Ireland have accepted a 4% pay rise matching England, and the Department of Education says the increase will add about £38m in 2025/26 and about £65m a year thereafter, contributing to a projected overspend of more than £200m.

Teaching unions in Northern Ireland have accepted a 4% pay rise that matches the award given to teachers in England. The Department of Education says the increase will cost about £38m in 2025/26 and about £65m a year after that. Officials warn the deal is likely to contribute to the department overspending its budget by over £200m. Ministers are discussing multi-year budget options amid concerns about funding from London. Key points: - The pay award is 4% and matches the increase given to teachers in England. - Estimated cost to the Department of Education is about £38m in 2025/26 and about £65m per year thereafter. - The department says the deal is likely to contribute to an overall overspend of more than £200m. - Education Minister Paul Givan said the award reflects his support for education staff and that he will respond to the Independent Review on Teacher Workload within the coming weeks. - Mr Givan has previously said staffing and pay costs make it hard to balance the current year's budget and has criticised a multi-year budget proposed by Finance Minister John O'Dowd. - First Minister Michelle O'Neill said ministers are obliged to try to agree a multi-year budget and described the funding from London as inadequate. Summary: Officials say unions accepted a 4% pay award and the Department of Education expects it to raise costs and contribute to a projected overspend. The current status is that ministers face difficult budget choices and ongoing discussions about a multi-year budget. Education Minister Paul Givan has said he will respond to the Independent Review on Teacher Workload within the coming weeks.