18/12/2003

Clarke presses on with teachers pay plans

The Education Secretary is to press ahead with his proposal on teachers pay announced last month.

Teachers' salary levels had been proposed for an increase of 2.5% in April 2004, 2.5% from April 2005 and 3.25% in September 2005. Over the financial year 2005-06, this will be worth 2.95% to teachers.

From September 2005 higher starting salaries will be awarded to inner and outer London teachers, and there will be differential increases for all outer London teachers and school leaders, under the plans.

The School Teachers Review Body's (STRB) may make further recommendations on the pay increases if inflation averages either more than 3.25% or less than 1.75% over a specified 12-month period.

Charles Clarke said: "I believe that this pay award will make a real difference to schools. The multi-year deal will help head teachers to plan budgets with more certainty. Announcing the outcome of the consultation today, three months earlier than in previous years, reinforces our commitment to ensure the maximum amount of predictability in the system."

Discussions with teaching unions, governing bodies and employers regarding the upper pay scale continue, in line with the STRB's recommendation that a decision on the upper pay scale is made early in the New Year.

(gmcg)

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