We would like to make schools aware that UNISON has written to its members to ask them to consider industrial action in response to the national local government pay award.
At this stage, the ballot process is ongoing and we are currently awaiting formal correspondence from UNISON to school employers which will provide further detail regarding the ballot and any next steps.
Schools should be aware that, where a trade union successfully secures a mandate for industrial action, the union is only required to provide 10 days’ notice of strike action to employers. As a result, schools may need to respond within relatively short timescales should industrial action be called.
The Department for Education (DfE) has published guidance for schools in relation to industrial action, including considerations around operational planning, maintaining education provision where possible, and communication with staff, parents and carers.
Given that the ballot process and any subsequent developments may occur during the summer holiday period, we will continue to monitor the situation closely.
Should any significant updates be received over the summer, including confirmation of ballot outcomes or notification of industrial action, we will issue further advice and guidance to schools at that time.
In the meantime, no action is required from schools. We will provide further information as soon as it becomes available.
