Teachers in Derry and the North secure 4% pay rise as unions and Minister welcome deal
A 4% pay rise for teachers in Northern Ireland was been formally accepted on Tuesday, drawing broad support from unions, MLAs and the Education Minister, with NASUWT members backing the offer by an overwhelming majority.
NASUWT, the largest teachers’ union in Northern Ireland, has welcomed the Northern Ireland Teachers’ Council’s formal acceptance of the 2025/26 pay offer. In a recent consultative ballot, 87% of NASUWT members voted in favour.
They said the agreement secures a 4% consolidated cost-of-living pay award for all teachers and school leaders, including supply teachers, backdated to September 1 2025. The award applies to all salary points and allowances.
Matt Wrack, NASUWT General Secretary said: “This settlement represents a fair outcome for our members in Northern Ireland in a challenging fiscal climate. It demonstrates what can be achieved through constructive negotiation, even under significant constraint.
“However, the Minister must now act with urgency to address the other core challenge which is the scourge of excessive workload. The pathway for change has been clearly set out in the Independent Report on Workload. We now expect a plan for delivery.”
Justin McCamphill, NASUWT National Official Northern Ireland, added: “Our members, in their decisive consultation, supported acceptance as the best achievable settlement. It matches the award in England, outpaces inflation, and was secured without any detrimental conditions.
“With the pay issue now settled we will be turning our full and undivided attention to workload. Teachers need and deserve a sustained reduction in their unsustainable workloads. Progress on this agenda is non-negotiable and will be the measure of whether we secure long-term industrial peace.”
Education Minister Paul Givan said: “Extensive work has taken place to offer a pay increase which is in line with the increase received by teachers in England and Wales. I am pleased that the five trade unions which make up the Northern Ireland Teachers’ Council have now formally accepted this on behalf of their members.
“The 4% pay settlement will see the starting salary for graduate teachers increasing to £32,916, with an experienced teacher at the top of the upper pay scale moving to £50,876. This brings teachers in Northern Ireland onto broadly comparable scales to their counterparts in England and Wales.
“Today’s pay award reflects the value that I place on those working in education, despite the severe financial issues facing education and the wider public sector in Northern Ireland. It firmly demonstrates my support for teachers and recognises the vital contribution they make to children’s life chances.”
The Minister concluded: “In addition to recognising their value through the pay award, I also want to assure teachers that I will respond to the Independent Review on Teacher Workload within the coming weeks.”
Sinn Féin Foyle MLA Pádraig Delargy said: ”Our teachers deserve fair pay and recognition for the vital work they do in our schools, often in very challenging circumstances.
“While this agreement is welcome, pay alone will not address the pressures facing teachers. Workload, and rising demands continue to have an impact on morale amongst the workforce."
“Sinn Féin will continue to support teachers and their unions in their campaign for meaningful action on workload and for proper investment in education.”
The Management Side of the Teachers' Negotiating Committee has said: "We believe that this pay award underscores the value we place on the teaching profession and acknowledges their critical role in securing better outcomes for our children and young people.”