Minimum staff levels demanded in school strikes

Schools and colleges in England will be asked to make sure a minimum number of staff are working on any future strike dates, the government has announced.

Education Secretary Gillian Keegan says she has written to unions to discuss the proposals.

It will be on a voluntary basis at first but, in the future, Ms Keegan said the government could use powers introduced earlier this year.

The Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Act applies to a wide range of workers.

The government said the law would ensure workers maintain the ability to strike while giving the public access to the essential services they need.

The Department for Education says the agreement will protect children, young people and parents to ensure education can continue during any future strike action.

Earlier this year, teachers in England from four unions were on strike in a dispute with the government over pay.

The teaching unions involved accepted an offer in July but NASUWT members are currently taking action short of a strike at schools in England.

Ms Keegan said: “Last year’s school strikes were some of the most disruptive on record for children, and their parents. We cannot afford a repeat of that disruption – particularly as schools and teachers continue to work so hard to help children recover from the pandemic.

“I am asking the teaching unions to engage with us and agree to put children and young people’s education first – and above and beyond any dispute,” she added.

Earlier this month, a consultation was launched on minimum service levels in universities.

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