NAHT explains decision to ballot members on industrial action

The National Association of Governance (NGA) is advising governing boards that Paul Whiteman, General Secretary of the National Association of Headteachers (NAHT), will be writing to them to explain the unprecedented decision to conduct a formal ballot of its members on industrial action over pay.

Paul Whiteman says that the decision to ballot was taken following a period of consultation and an extraordinary level of contact from members who are angry and frustrated by real terms losses to school leaders’ pay since 2010. NAHT forecast that by the end of 2022 the real term value of school leaders’ salaries will be about a quarter (24%) less than in 2010.

The letter highlights a recent survey of over 11,000 school leaders showing only 5% expect to be able to pay unfunded teacher and support staff awards without going into deficit in 2023-24.

NAHT ballot papers were posted to members at the end of last week.