Thousands of head teachers in England and Wales have voted in favour of strike action over changes to pensions.
Members of the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) could now join thousands of other public sector workers on strike on 30 November. NAHT members hold leadership positions in most special schools, 85% of primary schools and more than 40% of secondary schools in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, meaning disruption would be widespread. Some 24,000 members were balloted and turnout was 53.6%, with 75.8% in favour of strike action, the NAHT said.
It is the first time the NAHT has voted in favour of such action in its 114-year history. Russell Hobby, General Secretary of the NAHT, said while the union had a yes vote, it hoped to avoid calling industrial action. Hobby said "I have spoken at length to many school leaders and not one has been anything other than upset and sometimes downright angry that they have been forced into this situation as the only way to stand up for the profession and standards We would like to avoid action if at all possible and will be negotiating intensely and in good faith in the run up to the 30th."
On a visit to a school on Tuesday, Education Secretary Michael Gove urged teachers not to strike. His colleague the Schools Minister Nick Gibb, added that reforms to public sector pensions were essential as life expectancy rose. Gibb said "The cost to the taxpayer of teacher pensions is already forecast to double from £5bn in 2006 to £10bn in 2016 and will carrying on rising rapidly as life expectancy continues to improve."