STRIKING teachers are to lobby the education minister in Bournemouth today.
Amid ongoing strikes across England, teacher members of the National Education Union (NEU) are to picket outside the Bournemouth International Centre on Wednesday afternoon (July 5).
At the same time, secretary of state for education Gillian Keegan will be addressing the Local Government Association at the venue.
Members will lobby Mrs Keegan to enter talks and provide education professions with a fully funded, above-inflation pay rise.
Hannah Packham, the NEU’s south west regional secretary, said: “Members will be in Bournemouth to send a loud and clear message to Gillian Keegan. She needs to fund education, and provide a fully funded, above inflation pay rise.
“The government and Gillian Keegan’s inaction have led to a recruitment and retention crisis, which alongside massive underfunding, is hugely damaging children’s education across the south west.”
In early April, a pay and funding offer from government was rejected by 98 per cent of NEU members on a 66 per cent turnout.
Ms Packham added: “It is with great reluctance that our members are taking further strike action, but teachers have been left with no choice.
“Gillian Keegan can avert strike action by publishing the STRB report and restart talks to find a serious solution to the dispute.”
A Department for Education spokesperson has said: “Any strike action is hugely damaging. We have made a fair and reasonable pay offer to teachers, recognising their incredible work and commitment.”
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