Pre-Budget Report: Education

Gordon Brown announced an above inflation increase in teachers' pay in the pre-Budget report.

 

The chancellor told MPs teachers would receive a 2.5 per cent pay rise in 2006.

 

He also announced changes to the working conditions of foreign students in the UK.

 

 

Stakeholder Response: NASUWT

 

 

Chris Keates, general secretary of the NASUWT, said: "I welcome the fact that the 2.5 per cent pay increase for teachers is above Gordon Brown's recommended figure.

 

"The above inflation rise should maintain the gains in teachers’ pay secured by NASUWT through agreement with the government, providing the chancellor continues to meet his inflation target.

 

"Any shortfall between the teachers’ pay award and inflation will undermine the financial gains achieved over recent years.

 

"As the pay award spans two years and predictions on inflation more than a year ahead are difficult, agreement on a realistic review clause is needed to maintain and protect teachers’ living standards.

 

"The one proposed by the Review Body is unsatisfactory as it would take a significant leap in inflation before the review threshold is reached.

 

"NASUWT will make strong representations to the DfES, during the consultation period, to lower the proposed threshold level."

 

 

Stakeholder Response: ATL

 

 

Dr Mary Bousted, general secretary at the Association of Teachers and Lecturers, said: "This is not a motivational pay award for teachers, and will do little to improve recruitment or retention. 

 

"However, the government has honoured the independent pay body’s recommendations and teachers will get a higher rise than the Chancellor was threatening last week.

 

"ATL is pleased the 2.5 per cent increase will be awarded across the board to all teachers from newly qualified teachers to heads, including those with additional responsibilities. 

 

"This recognises that all teaching staff play an equally important role in raising school standards."

 

 

Stakeholder Response: NUT

 

 

Steve Sinnott, NUT general secretary, said:"This is a standstill award.

 

"Teachers’ pay next September when this rise is implemented will be no better than it is today. Hard work and commitment are not recognised in this imposed settlement.

 

 "The profession is struggling to recruit and retain sufficient teachers despite the government’s introduction of golden handshakes and other measures to tie young people into teaching.

 

"They are not working and this standstill award in teachers’ pay will not change that.

 

"Teachers are graduates. The pay levels available to graduates elsewhere in the economy far outstrip those available in teaching.

 

"This award gives no recognition to this fact nor to the hard work and dedication of teachers in schools throughout England and Wales.

 

"Our teachers deserve better."

 

 

Stakeholder Response: CMU

 

 

 

Pam Tatlow, chief executive of CMU, said: "Our universities have been in the forefront of providing opportunities for international students and developing best practice to support them in their studies.

 

"It is perhaps little known that universities have received the Queens Award for Exports as a result of their international work.

 

"We therefore very much welcome this commitment to provide further funding to promote the value and quality of British higher education.

 

"The UK-China University Partnership Scheme is also important although its scope should be extended beyond science and technology.

 

"The proposal that international students who are qualified in shortage areas will be allowed to work in the UK for up to 12 months will go some way to matching the Fresh Talent initiative in Scotland which has proved very successful in attracting international students and which we have lobbied to be extended".

 

 

Stakeholder Response: SHA

 

 

SHA general secretary Dr John Dunford said: "School leaders will welcome the clear recognition of their increased responsibilities.

 

"If the demand for school leaders is to be met in coming years, this review must be followed by levels of pay that reflect the weight of the job and the increased accountability."

 

"Two and a half per cent is much as we expected.

 

"School leaders will be relieved that the rumours of a two per cent rise were unfounded."