13 February 2024
Industrial action by teachers in Jersey ended today after the National Education Union
announced its members had accepted a deal from Jersey’s new government.
New Chief Minister, Deputy Lyndon Farnham had made it a priority to try to end the
dispute which began last year and resulted in a series of strikes which closed the Island’s
schools.
Last week, the Chief Minister wrote to the NEU and the NASUWT union with a revised
three-year offer in which teachers would receive an 8% pay rise in 2024 (plus a one-off,
£1,500 payment this month) along with pay rises equivalent to RPI plus 1% for 2025 and
2026.
Today, in a joint statement with government, NEU negotiators confirmed their members
had voted to accept the deal. The NASUWT had confirmed their members would accept
the revised offer.
Chief Minister, Deputy Lyndon Farnham said: “Settling the teacher’s pay dispute was a high
priority for the new government and I hope this resolution reinforces our shared
commitment to the success and prosperity of our valued educational community.
"I would like to express thanks to all parties involved for their willingness to engage in further
constructive dialogue, which led us to this common ground.
"I very much hope we can now all look forward to a period of stability and opportunity for
both teachers and pupils.”
The NEU today thanked the new Government for working with them to solve the dispute.
Caryn Symons, NEU Senior Regional Officer, said: “The NEU has welcomed the improved pay
offer for its teacher members in Jersey, which has been overwhelmingly accepted by
members. We thank Deputy Lyndon Farnham and his new Ministers for their support in
finding a workable solution to the dispute.
“We believe that this represents a real opportunity to work together and improve education
for all those who work within it and access it. We remain dedicated in working with Deputy
Lyndon Farnham and his new Ministers on further improving education provision across the
Island and working in a positive, supportive and constructive environment as we look to the
future.”