NAHT Cymru has today confirmed that negotiations with Welsh Government have broken down and that the union's National Executive has endorsed a move to a national statutory ballot for industrial action.

The decision follows Welsh Government's confirmation that it intends to impose a pay award on school leaders which falls below the recommendation of the Independent Welsh Pay Review Body and failure to take immediate steps to alleviate unsustainable workload and unsafe working conditions.

NAHT Cymru says the decision leaves school leaders with no confidence that the current process can deliver a fair settlement and represents the second consecutive year in which Welsh Government has failed to implement in full the recommendations of the independent pay review process.

Robert Kelsall, Assistant General Secretary of school leaders’ union NAHT, said:

“School leaders across Wales will be bitterly disappointed by Welsh Government's decision to once again reject the recommendation of its own independent pay review body.

“We entered negotiations in good faith and worked tirelessly to secure a negotiated settlement that addressed both pay and workload. While some progress was made in discussions on workload, Welsh Government has ultimately chosen to impose a pay award that falls short of what its own independent process concluded was justified.

“This is not simply about a percentage increase. This is now the second consecutive year in which school leaders have been denied the full award recommended by the Independent Welsh Pay Review Body. The cumulative impact is significant, affecting earnings, pension benefits and the long-term attractiveness of school leadership itself.

“At the same time, school leaders continue to face excessive workloads, escalating pressures and increasingly unsustainable working conditions. Schools are being asked to deliver more with less, while leaders work ever longer hours to keep the system functioning.

“There comes a point when warm words and promises of future action are no longer enough. That point has now been reached.”

Mr Kelsall wrote to the Cabinet Secretary for Education today (Thurs 15 Oct) “formally withdrawing from the current talks with immediate effect” and setting out the unions reasons for moving to a national statutory ballot of members across Wales for industrial action.

The letter in full: https://www.naht.org.uk/Portals/0/PDF's/Wales/261015 letter to the Cabinet Secretary for Education and the Welsh Language.pdf?ver=NLr4yYsDfuL4kcjD_EJmuw%3d%3d

The union has also expressed concern regarding recent actions that have restricted elected trade union representatives from undertaking legitimate union duties during the dispute, warning that such actions risk undermining confidence in effective industrial relations and social partnership.

Today's endorsement by the National Executive means NAHT Cymru will now begin preparations for a national statutory ballot of school leaders across Wales.

Paul Whiteman, NAHT General Secretary, said:

“Nobody wants to see school leaders forced into industrial action, but it is clear that leaders in Wales have reached a point where enough is enough.

“Welsh Government asked school leaders to engage in talks in good faith and NAHT Cymru did exactly that. It is therefore deeply disappointing that ministers have again chosen not to implement in full the recommendation of their own independent pay review body.

“School leaders are working under immense pressure to support pupils, staff and communities, yet they continue to face excessive workload, growing responsibility and the erosion of their pay. Fair and independent pay processes only work if governments are prepared to respect their outcomes.

“NAHT stands fully behind our members and colleagues in Wales as they take this difficult but necessary step.”

Kerina Hanson, President of NAHT Cymru, said:

“As school leaders, we do this job because we are committed to giving children and young people the best possible education. Nobody enters the profession expecting to consider industrial action.

“However, members are increasingly telling us that the pressures of the role have become unsustainable. Workload continues to grow, recruitment and retention challenges are intensifying, and leaders are being asked to do more with fewer resources.

“The decision to move towards a ballot reflects the strength of feeling among school leaders across Wales. They expect Welsh Government to listen to the profession, honour the recommendations of its independent review process and take meaningful action to address workload.

“School leaders have shown enormous patience, but patience alone cannot solve a crisis of workload, recruitment and retention.

“Members are rightly asking why an independent pay review process exists if the recommendations it produces can simply be ignored. This is now the second year in succession that school leaders have been denied the full award judged appropriate by the independent body.

“Today's decision reflects the growing frustration felt by leaders across Wales. We remain ready to engage constructively, but school leaders need action, not more promises.

“Our members will now decide democratically what happens next.”

Mr Kelsall added:

“This is not a step we take lightly. NAHT Cymru has consistently sought dialogue, compromise and negotiated solutions. However, school leaders have reached the point where they expect action rather than assurances.

“The responsibility for this escalation rests with Welsh Government. School leaders deserve fair pay, meaningful reductions in workload and working conditions that are sustainable and safe.

“Our members will now have the opportunity to determine democratically the next phase of this campaign through a national industrial action ballot.

“Welsh Government has made its decision. It is now time for school leaders across Wales to make theirs.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors

• NAHT Cymru represents school leaders across Wales.
• The dispute centres on school leaders' pay, workload and the sustainability of school leadership.
• NAHT Cymru has today received endorsement from its National Executive to proceed to a statutory industrial action ballot of members in Wales.
• Further details regarding the ballot timetable will be communicated to members in due course.