Gillian Keegan says teachers don’t need to threaten strikes

Gillian Keegan said in an article for the Guardian: ‘We are continuing to listen.’ Photograph: Andy Rain/EPA

The education secretary has made a veiled plea for teachers in England to “de-escalate” and avoid industrial action, arguing that progress can be made on pay and other concerns without the threat of “harmful” strikes.

All four major teaching unions in England are balloting their members on possible strike action over pay, with the National Education Union and NASUWT saying that the pay rise given in September – about 5% on average – is inadequate given rampant inflation and the cost of living crisis.