Laura Doel, director of school leaders' union NAHT Cymru, said: “The Welsh Government’s announcement on a 5% award to teachers and leaders pay is in reality, a pay cut and does nothing to address the decade of cuts to salaries which has seen school leaders salaries cut by 20% in real-terms. 

It will be seen as a slap in the face of dedicated education professionals who are exhausted and demoralised after another year of untold pressures and cuts to the vital services that support schools in their attempts to provide the very best conditions in which our children can thrive.  

The profession has worked tirelessly to support children and families in communities across Wales; it has overcome significant challenges as a result of the pandemic and continues to push ahead with the new curriculum and ALN legislation because they believe in putting the interest of their learners, our children and young people first.

Schools are at the forefront of this governments plan to eradicated poverty, building safer communities and support the development of Welsh language yet that has not been reflected in this offer. We know that the people we put in front of our children have the biggest impact in learner outcomes; strong leaders, skilled teachers and support staff make all the difference and that is why they must be supported.

At a time when we are all facing huge uncertainty as a result of the cost of living crisis, we must ensure that we recruit and retain the very best school workforce to equip this generation with whatever the future holds.

The erosion of teachers and leaders’ terms and conditions will cause untold damage to education, cripple schools’ ability to deliver and have a detrimental impact on learners. These concerns will be further compounded if Local Authorities do not step up and fund pay awards fully. The Welsh Government has confirmed there is no more money for Local Government to support this award.

The only lifeline thrown to the profession is that the government has not announced a two year deal and following the recommendations of the IWPRB of 5% which would have been a huge blow to leaders and teachers.

The government has made its decision and we will now go out to our membership in the new term to consult with them on the Government’s award and determine how to move forward."