Some local branches to defy teaching unions’ advice to accept deal over recruitment concerns

Strikes in schools across England may still happen in September, after local branches of the largest union representing teachers told the Observer this weekend that they would vote against the proposed pay offer.

Two weeks ago the government announced that it would accept the recommendation of the independent School Teachers’ Review Body for a 6.5% pay rise for most teachers from September, and the four education unions representing teachers and heads advised their members to vote in favour of the offer.