TEACHERS are to get a pay rise averaging 6 per cent under a £70 million deal between the Government and their unions. The package is expected to be finalised this week. It follows talks which have also dealt with early retirement and restructuring of the 40,000 strong profession.
Up to 90 per cent of teachers will benefit from the package, which is a complex mix of wage and allowance increases, new allowances and early retirements. While some will gain little from the deal, the salaries of many principals and other senior teachers will rise by up to 10 per cent.
In return, teachers are to offer up to three extra days a year inproductivity, as well as agreeing to new regulations on school opening hours and promotion on merit rather than seniority.
The cost of the proposals already agreed in the long running negotiations exceeds £60 million. This compares with the £30 to £33 million original available for an early retirement deal under the terms of the Programme for Competitiveness and Work (PCW). By the time outstanding differences are resolved in the coming days, the cost of the package may reach £70 million.
Allowances for 19,000 middle ranking and senior teachers will be increased by an average of 25 per cent. In addition, 600 additional posts of responsibility will be created at second level, and 900 B posts will be upgraded to A posts. At primary level, 2,600 B posts will be created. The yearly allowance for an A post is £2,820 and for a B post £1,247.
For the first time, all promotional posts will be filled by competitive interview, on the basis of merit rather than seniority. Postholders will be assigned specific responsibilities, such as teaching particular programmes, as well as management duties.
Teachers will also provide cover automatically on the first day of a colleague's absence. Schools will have the option of remaining open on religious holidays, and there will be greater coordination of holiday periods and mid term breaks. The Department's controversial Time in School circular will be amended.
The agreement will give parents the right to consult teachers "without impinging on the teaching time."
Other elements include early retirement for 300 teachers a year, and £1,000 for teachers aged 55 years with 35 years service who remain in the system. Second level teachers will be allowed to retire at 55 with 35 years' service.
Negotiations resume today. The Government says it wilt shorten the pay scale by two points at the top, but the unions are holding, out for a cut at the seventh point, which would benefit more members but add £4 million to the cost of the deal. The unions also want increases in allowances of up to 30 per cent for principals and vice principals.
