Nasuwt Northern Ireland

06/06/2026

The Good Jobs Bill is being blocked at the NI Executive. If it is not released by the Executive next week there may be insufficient time for the Bill to complete the legislative process before the current Assembly term ends.

This is not a radical piece of legislation. The Bill simply affords vulnerable and precarious workers here basic protections, aims to improve work/life balance and strengthen worker voice through trade union representation for the benefit of workers, employers, and the economy.

We call on everyone to send urgently the draft template letter in the link to your MLAs urgently. Please feel free to amend the letter to your circumstances.

The Good Jobs Bill is being blocked at the NI Executive. If it is not released by the Executive next week there may be insufficient time for the Bill to complete the legislative process before the current Assembly term ends.

03/06/2026

NASUWT NI were honoured to be invited to last day for the PGCE students at the University of Ulster, Coleraine. After speaking with the students, Northern Ireland President, Shaunagh Lambe, awarded first aid certificates, a course that the NASUWT sponsored to enable students to receive extra professional development.

A massive well done to a fabulous bunch of teachers who worked very hard all year to achieve their qualification. We can’t wait to see you again at our future events and continue to support you throughout your career.

02/06/2026

NASUWT, the largest teachers’ union in Northern Ireland, has today served formal notice of an official industrial action ballot across all state-funded schools, following the Department of Education’s sustained failure to deliver a credible implementation plan for the 27 recommendations of the Independent Review of Workload.

The ballot will open on Wednesday 10 June and will close on Tuesday 1 September.

Matt Wrack, NASUWT General Secretary, said: “Teachers in Northern Ireland are saying, enough is enough. They are working unsustainable hours, drowning in bureaucracy, and seeing their profession stripped of dignity. The Department of Education has had every opportunity to act. Instead, it has offered delay, lack of clarity and continued confusion.

“We warned the Minister on 12 May that without a fully deliverable implementation plan capable of meeting all 27 recommendations of the Independent Review of Workload, we would have no choice but to ballot for industrial action. No credible plan has been forthcoming. Therefore, we will ballot our members for industrial action.

Justin McCamphill, NASUWT National Official for Northern Ireland said: “It is deeply regretful that we have arrived at this point, but the wellbeing of teachers and the quality of education for young people are on the line. Our members are exhausted”.

“Back in November 2025, the independent panel produced their report on workload, the NASUWT tried everything to get the recommendations in place in our schools at pace, but the Department have dragged their heels and lacked the courage to take on the difficult issues with clear statements about the requirements places on teachers”.

“Teachers will now give their verdict on the Minister’s plan”.

NASUWT has served formal notice of an official industrial action ballot across all state-funded schools in Northern Ireland over workload.

01/06/2026

01/06/2026

The remaining association meetings of the year will be held this month. We hope to see you there.

01/06/2026

Since learning late on Friday afternoon that the Minister of Education, Paul Givan, expected to bring forward legislation on Monday 1 June, which would allow for the sanctioning of teachers who refused to cooperate with the Education and Training Inspectorate (ETI) during periods of teachers industrial action, the Officers and activists in NASUWT (NI) have organised the sending of hundreds of emails to MLA’s setting out teachers concerns over this measure to curtail their rights during periods of industrial action.

The emails urged MLA’s to reject the proposed legislation until those clauses which relate to ETI inspections during industrial action were removed.

Paul Givan has brought this legislation forward during a period where teaching unions have notified employers of an industrial dispute over the minister's failure to fully implement the recommendations set out in the independent review of teacher workload which he commissioned.

In responses to emails from NASUWT members and activists, MLA’s have made the following responses-

APNI - Accepting Minister Givan’s legislation but have given assurances that they will reject the bill at final reading if the amendments sanctioning teachers during industrial action are not removed.

DUP - Support for Minister Givan’s legislation.

Sinn Fein - Rejecting Paul Givan’s legislation.

SDLP - Rejecting Paul Givan’s legislation.

TUV - No recorded response.

UUP - No recorded response but understood to be supporting Minister Givan’s legislation.

PBP - Rejecting Paul Givan’s legislation.

Some MLA’s from SF, SDLP & PBP issued statements supporting teachers and promising to reject the legislation.

The officers of NASUWT (NI) would like to thank those members who took the time to write to their MLA.

NASUWT continues to monitor the progress of this legislation and will keep members apprised of any developments.

28/05/2026

On Wednesday 20 May, Maxine Murphy‑Higgins, Policy/Casework Official, gave evidence highlighting serious concerns about the SEN reform agenda and its implementation.
While the ambition to improve early support for children is welcome, she outlined the lack of a clear, practical roadmap to move from the current system to the proposed model. Significant structural changes, particularly around one‑to‑one support,are being suggested without fully developed alternatives in place.

Concerns were also raised about the ambitious timeline, especially as schools are already managing multiple major reforms. Recent developments, such as the three‑pathway model, have already highlighted the growing complexity of pupil needs.

Maxine also criticised the consultation process, noting that leading questions risk limiting meaningful feedback and may create support for an “ideal” model before it is properly resourced or tested.

Importantly, Maxine ensured that the priorities set out in our conference motion on SEN were clearly highlighted. This includes:
📢 the SENCO role to be formally recognised as a strategic leadership position, with ring‑fenced funding and protected non‑contact time.
📢a formal review of the SENCO role, its expectations and resourcing to reflect current realities
📢 proper investment in training, resources and SEN digital systems to reduce unnecessary administrative burden

Overall, while the vision is positive, the lack of a clear and realistic implementation plan risks destabilising the system rather than improving outcomes for children.

Link to the Education Committee Session in comments - NITC presentation starts at 1hour 24

27/05/2026

On Wednesday 20th May, Past President Sally Rees presented evidence to the Northern Ireland Assembly Education Committee on the rise of Violence Against Women and Girls in our schools and colleges. Sally highlighted the nature and range of misogyny that female teachers and girls are experiencing from sexist comments, sexual graphic messaging, to image based sexual abuse. She drew the Committee’s attention to the lack of robust trauma informed practice in schools. Too often the order of protection is reversed putting the needs of the offender over the needs of the victim. It is clear women and girls are at risk in our schools. Which is why we believe Misogyny which leads to Sexual Harassment and assault needs to be treated as a Health and Safety issue.

Sally ended her evidence by calling for:
📢Mandatory RSE content which is consent focused, debunks harmful gender stereotypes and includes critical digital literacy on the use and abuse of online platforms and social media
📢Advocating for the introduction of the UK Feminista’s Whole school approach to Sexism and Sexual Harassment which aligns with The Executive Office’s EVAWG strategy
📢A system wide reporting and supporting mechanism in schools.

We know only too well that was is measured is managed which is why we commissioned joint research with UK Feminista and look forward to working with them to uncover the specific experiences of sexism and sexual harassment faced by female staff and pupils and the impact of online misogyny and po*******hy in education.
Yesterday, Sally, Justin and Maxine met with Jon Burrows to discuss these issues in greater detail. The NASUWT will continue to be a leading voice on ending violence against women and girls ✊
Link to the Recording of session with the Education Committee in Comments

18/05/2026

Nasuwt Northern Ireland supported the ICTU demonstration in wanting the Good Job Bill passed. Workers need it!

16/05/2026

Has the Minister Fixed Workload Yet?

We know the answer.

We know the anger of NASUWT members.

We know that if the Minister won't implement the Workload Recommendations that our members are prepared to enforce them through industrial action.

As we prepare for the ballot we need all members to ensure that their contact details are up to date.

If you received an email with your school and workplace on it, please check it is correct.

If you haven't been receiving emails from us please send us a message.