Pay rise of 6.5% would end England’s teacher strikes, union leader suggests

Teachers striking in York earlier this year. A 4.3% average offer that ministers made to teachers in March was roundly rejected by union members. Photograph: Richard Saker/The Guardian

Ministers could ward off potential teachers’ strikes in the autumn term in England if they accept a salary increase recommended by the teachers’ independent pay review body, the head of the biggest education union has said.

Teachers who belong to the NEU continued industrial action on Friday. Mary Bousted, the joint general secretary of the union, said: “This could stop. What the government must do is publish the independent pay review body recommendations.”