On 21 July 2021, the secretary of state confirmed, in a written ministerial statement, the decision to 'freeze' teachers and leaders pay for 2021/22. This follows the decision set out at the spending review last year of the government's intention to 'pause' headline pay rises for the majority of public sector workforces in 2021/22.

In line with the limited remit set by the secretary of state last year, the School Teachers' Review Body (STRB) released its 31st report on pay for teachers and leaders for 2021/22, recommending:

• a pay award of £250 for all teachers earning less than £24,000 (or the recommended equivalent value for teachers in the London pay areas)
• that advisory pay points are reintroduced on the unqualified teacher pay range, as was the case for classroom teachers on the main pay range and upper pay range last year.

The Secretary of State confirmed his intention to accept these recommendations in full.

NAHT has robustly rejected the government's decision to implement a pay freeze for teachers and leaders – calling it an unacceptable 'slap in the face' that will result in yet another real terms pay cut for teachers and leaders.

You can read our full response to the announcement here, alongside our joint union statement.

There will now be an eight-week consultation, which NAHT will be responding to both individually and with the other teaching unions, outlining our strong opposition to the pay 'freeze'.