NEU Teachers Set to Strike Across England and Wales
Teachers from the NEU union have voted overwhelmingly to strike. The nationwide walkouts will hit England and Wales on February 1, March 15, and March 16. Several regional strikes are also planned.
Strike Dates and Impact
- February 1: All eligible NEU members in England and Wales will strike, affecting 23,400 schools.
- March 15 and 16: Follow-up national strikes plus regional actions.
NEU members in sixth form colleges will join the walkouts, continuing their separate but linked dispute with the Secretary of State.
Union Responds: ‘Last Resort’
“This was a really hard decision for our members to take. They do not want to be on strike. They want to be in the classroom, doing what they do best – teaching and supporting our children and young people,” said an NEU spokesperson.
“But it’s a last resort. It sends a resounding message to the Government: we won’t stand by and watch the destruction of education without taking a stand.”
The vote saw a 53.27% turnout, with 90.44% backing industrial action.
Government Reaction and Next Steps
Education Secretary Gillian Keegan has announced plans to meet union leaders later this week to seek a resolution.
“This dispute can be resolved without recourse to strike action. We are willing to enter into negotiations at any time, any place, but this situation cannot go on,” said a government source.
