Irish and UK education unions convene in London

The leadership of both British and Irish education unions met today, Friday 25 October. This group meets twice a year to discuss issues of mutual interest across the UK and Ireland. 

Among the matters they considered were teacher health and welfare and international events, such as last year’s 8th Educational International World Conference and next year’s International Summit on the teaching profession). 

INTO General Secretary John Boyle reported on developments in Ireland since the last meeting in February, including further pay restoration, budgetary changes for 2020, and the impasse regarding pay determination and workload in Northern Ireland.

All eleven unions present agreed to continue working closely with each other to advance the cause of teachers by removing administrative burdens, thereby enabling teachers to do what they do best – educating students. The unions also agreed to secure a higher investment for the education sector on these islands.