Teachers threaten pay scheme

(First Edition)

THE NATIONAL Union of Teachers is threatening action over local authorities which refuse to advise schools against introducing performance-related pay, writes Colin Hughes.

Members are being advised today not to co-operate with any attempt to pilot-test performance-related pay schemes, which the Government wants to start trialling in schools in September through the use of additional pay points for individual 'excellence'.

The NUT is also asking councils to advise schools that 'excellence' pay should not be awarded, results of teacher appraisal should not be used for deciding individual salaries, and no form of performance-related pay should be introduced. Similar approaches are being made to governing bodies of opted-out schools.

'If any local authority refuses to give such guidance, or individual schools refuse to follow the advice, the union's action committee will decide what steps should be taken,' the union said.