UCAC welcomes re-introduction of national pay scales for teachers

29 July 2020

UCAC welcomes re-introduction of national pay scales for teachers

UCAC education union has responded to the Education Minister's statement today in relation to the second report of the Independent Welsh Pay Review Body.

Dilwyn Roberts-Young, General Secretary of UCAC, said: “We are delighted to see the re-introduction of national pay scales - and the removal of performance-related pay arrangements. UCAC has been campaigning for these two improvements which will make a real difference to teachers’ pay arrangements across Wales.

“We also welcome the pay rises that go beyond those recommended by the Independent Welsh Pay Review Body. We hope that these changes will help to attract people into the profession, at a time when new recruits are badly needed.

“However, we are disappointed that the pay rise for school leaders is lower than for the rest of the profession. School leaders have extremely high levels of responsibility, managing complex organisations in difficult and often unpredictable circumstances. The reduction in the differential between teacher salaries and leaders' salaries is likely to be detrimental to the drive to encourage teachers to follow a path into leadership.

“UCAC will now respond to the report and the Minister's announcement. We will urge the Welsh Government to ensure that any pay increases are fully funded to avoid putting additional pressure on school budgets.

“The past few months have been extraordinary in so many ways. Teachers and school leaders have dedicated themselves to adapting teaching methods and to ensuring care and wellbeing in the most challenging of circumstances. We are pleased that these efforts have been recognised.”