Delay in finalising package for teachers

THE finalisation of a £60-£70 million pay and conditions package for teachers is being delayed by disagreement between the Government and the teacher unions over proposed alterations to the teachers' pay scale.

Both sides have agreed to shorten the 26 point pay scale. However, Government negotiators want the benefit to accrue to senior teachers nearing the top of, the scale, while the unions are holding out for a rise in salaries for teachers with at least seven years' service. The difference in cost between the two proposals is at least £4 million.

The two sides held a brief meeting yesterday but failed to make significant progress on the issue. Further talks are expected today.

Although there is as yet no Government approval for any outline agreement, negotiators from the Department of Education have warned that £60 million is the upper limit likely to be accepted by the Cabinet.

The Minister for Education yesterday moved to allay concern among other ministers about the size of the teachers' deal by saying that any increases awarded, during the period of the Programme for Competitiveness and Work will be within the parameters of the PCW.

Just over £30 million is available to the teachers under the PCW, which remains in force until the end of the year. The balance agreed under any package would therefore be paid in succeeding years.

In a statement, Ms Breathnach said "Settlement on this issue will inevitably have cost implications beyond the period of the PCW."

She is expected to "sell" the package by arguing that, for the first time in an industrial relations deal with teachers, the unions have agreed to extra productivity.

Elements already agreed in the deal include early retirement for 300 teachers a year £1,000 for teachers aged 55 years with 35 years' service and the creation of more than 3,000 promotional posts.