School teachers

Members of the NASUWT teachers’ union in Northern Ireland began a campaign of industrial action on 15 January for parity of pay and conditions with their English and Welsh counterparts.

The union pointed out that the ending of responsibility for administrative tasks would be a “huge step” in reducing workloads and recognise the important role of teaching and learning.

Its tactics (not covering for absence or vacant posts, not undertaking administrative or clerical tasks that don’t require a teacher’s expertise, and limiting meetings outside school session times to one per week) are not expected to disrupt pupils’ education. In the ballot on action, 89.3% voted in favour of action.