Hundreds of teachers from the UK’s largest academy chain, United Learning, are preparing to go on strike after discovering they could receive much lower pay raises compared to their colleagues in state schools.
United Learning operates both private and state schools, and while state school teachers are set to receive a 6.5% pay rise, teachers in the chain’s private schools have been offered just 2-3%.
State School Teachers to Receive Higher Pay Increases
The pay disparity between teachers at United Learning’s private and state schools has caused significant unrest.
The state school teachers, who already earn between £35,000 and £51,000 annually, will receive a pay rise of 6.5%, a substantial increase over the 5.5% recommended by the Department for Education for public sector educators.
This is in stark contrast to the 2-3% pay increase offered to teachers in private schools, which many see as unfair.
Accusations of Inequality and Second-Class Treatment
The National Education Union (NEU) has criticized United Learning for what it considers an inequitable pay structure.
Union representatives argue that private school teachers are already paid less than their state school counterparts, and now the trust is offering them even smaller pay raises.
Teachers are outraged, feeling like they are being treated as “second-class teachers” compared to their colleagues in the state school sector.
Discontent Grows Over Financial Discrepancies
Teachers’ frustration has been compounded by United Learning’s decision to pass on only part of the new VAT increase on school fees to parents.
The trust announced a 12% fee hike, absorbing the remaining cost of the 20% VAT tax increase.
However, despite the extra money from parents, United Learning has maintained that there are no additional funds for teacher pay.
The trust is sitting on a reported £717 million in net assets, further angering staff members who feel the financial resources are not being properly distributed.
Teachers’ Concerns About Living Costs and Fair Pay
The discontent among teachers has reached a boiling point.
One teacher expressed frustration with the trust’s management, saying they received a “Bah Humbug” letter right before Christmas, which offered no hope of a better salary.
Teachers feel that their salaries are not enough to keep up with the increasing cost of living, and some are even considering leaving for other jobs that offer better financial security.
Union to Take Action After Pay Offer Rejected
The NEU conducted a survey in which an overwhelming 89% of members rejected the pay offer.
Daniel Kebede, the union’s General Secretary, stated that the pay offer is part of a pattern where teachers in United Learning’s private schools earn less than those in local state schools and even their colleagues working in state academies.
The NEU is now preparing for strike action, with plans for a walkout by the end of the month.
United Learning’s Response to the Strike Threat
Despite the growing unrest, United Learning remains firm in its stance, insisting that it cannot offer any more pay increases due to the financial challenges facing the sector.
The trust claims that the teachers are aware of the financial difficulties and that no additional funds are available at this time.
They do not expect strike action to take place in their independent schools, including the prestigious Royal School in Haslemere, which is under the trust’s umbrella.
As the dispute continues to escalate, it is clear that the teachers are standing firm in their demand for fair pay, and the upcoming strike could have significant implications for United Learning’s schools and the wider education sector.
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