Two prominent teaching unions in the United Kingdom have issued warnings of potential strikes in 2026 as disputes over teacher pay and working conditions intensify. The National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) and the NASUWT have signaled that industrial action may become necessary if their concerns are not addressed.
Paul Whiteman, the general secretary of NAHT, noted a “real possibility of industrial difficulties” in the upcoming year. He expressed that teachers are reaching a breaking point due to the ongoing “burden of pressure” placed upon them. Whiteman emphasized that the issues at stake extend beyond pay to include workload, working hours, and overall job intensity.
Matt Wrack, general secretary of NASUWT, echoed these sentiments, indicating that discussions about strikes are “inevitable” at the union’s upcoming conference in April. He highlighted the financial strain on school budgets as a significant concern, which he argues has worsened teachers’ conditions.
The backdrop of this issue includes a recent five-day strike by resident doctors in England, organized by the British Medical Association, which has heightened awareness of discontent within public sector professions. Whiteman remarked that teachers’ frustration regarding pay and conditions could “come to a head” in the near future, potentially leading to walkouts or other forms of industrial action.
He elaborated that the government’s ambitious educational goals are not being matched with adequate resources. “They’ve carried that burden for so very, very long, I don’t think they’d be able to tolerate it for much more,” Whiteman stated.
The current situation has been exacerbated by a recent decision from the government to accept a 4 percent pay rise for the 2025-26 school year, as recommended by the School Teachers’ Review Body (STRB). Wrack criticized this decision, arguing that the increment is insufficient given that teachers’ real earnings have declined over the past 15 years. He warned that the ongoing changes to pensions have further diminished the overall compensation package for educators.
Wrack pointed out a troubling trend of low pay rises, predicting that future increases may fall below the government’s inflation measures. He explained, “If we get a slightly higher pay rise, that just exacerbates the crisis in the schools.” This cycle leaves schools trapped, as any increment in teacher salaries must be drawn from existing budgets.
In response to the unions’ concerns, a spokesperson for the Department for Education stated, “Through our Plan for Change, we are restoring teaching as the highly valued profession it should be.” The spokesperson emphasized that teacher pay is expected to rise by nearly 17 percent over the parliamentary term, representing a significant real-terms increase. Furthermore, mainstream school funding is projected to reach almost £51 billion in the next year, aimed at supporting every child in their educational journey.
The potential for strikes highlights a growing discontent among teachers in the UK as they seek recognition and support for their vital role in education. As discussions continue, the outcome of these negotiations will likely have far-reaching implications for the future of education in the country.
