Teachers defeat pensions plan

Members of the NEU education union employed at 23 independent schools have defeated plans by the Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST) to remove them from the Teachers’ Pension Scheme.

The teachers, who took six days’ strike action in February and March, have also stopped the introduction of fire-and-rehire contracts and received an enhanced pay offer.

NEU joint general secretary Kevin Courtney said: “They should be proud of the solidarity, resolution and spirit they have shown throughout this dispute.

“In standing up for their rights they were forced to take unprecedented and historic strike action to defend their pensions.

“Our members at GDST, 80% of them women, gave a ‘live’ lesson in the values that they seek to instil in the girls they educate: being principled, knowing your worth, and standing up for what is right.”

Courteney said NEU members were relieved to be returning to the classroom, but that “significant” work is needed rebuild the staff’s trust and confidence in their employer.