Minimum service levels deemed "unworkable"

School leaders’ union NAHT has called the government’s proposed minimum service levels for schools during strikes ‘draconian, unnecessary and unworkable’.

In its response to the government consultation, which is now closed, NAHT says the legislation would effectively remove the right to strike from most school staff – and especially head teachers given that most schools only have one such role.

NAHT says the proposals make it legal to sack striking education workers who have been issued with ‘work notices’ and will allow hefty fines to be imposed on unions.

The union says requiring all vulnerable, critical worker and exam groups to be in school would mean a majority of pupils attending and all schools being required to open on strike days.

Paul Whiteman, NAHT’s general secretary, said: “The government’s proposals are a hostile attack on the basic democratic right of workers to withdraw their labour.

“Strike action will always be a last resort for dedicated education professionals. Sadly, however, it is sometimes the only way to engage tin-eared governments and employers in serious talks about issues which may not only affect their working conditions, safety and livelihoods - but also their ability to offer the education all children deserve.

“These proposals will not help to prevent industrial disputes but will make it even harder to resolve them and for dedicated school staff to act when they fear education is being devalued. If that happens, ultimately it is children who will suffer.”

NAHT is calling for the government to retract the proposals and enter meaningful negotiations with education unions.