EDUCATION unions have repeated calls for Tory ministers to urgently publish the latest recommendations from the sector’s pay review body ahead of more strikes across England’s schools tomorrow.

The hold-up, which allegedly comes after the body endorsed a higher wage rise than Downing Street, is causing “anxiety and frustrating head teachers” who need to plan budgets, Education Secretary Gillian Keegan was told.

In a letter to the Chichester MP, the leaders of the National Education Union (NEU), NASUWT, NAHT and ASCL wrote: “There is no good reason for any delay in publication.

“[It] is leading to continuing anxiety across all schools and frustrating head teachers and school leaders’ ability to plan and manage already difficult budgets for the forthcoming school year.

“It is in everyone’s interest that the current dispute is brought to a swift resolution — the ball is firmly in government’s court.”

Downing Street’s “refusal to properly negotiate over pay risks dragging out the current dispute,” which will also see strikes hit primaries and secondaries on Friday, they charged.

The seventh and eighth day of industrial action since February follows a below-inflation wage offer of just 4.5 per cent from September, as well as a one-off £1,000 payment for the current academic year. 

All four unions rejected the deal, which promoted ministers to outsource the decision to the sector’s pay review body, which has its members and remit set by government.

Unions have repeatedly accused ministers of hiding behind such bodies to impose yet more austerity across public services, but in May, the Sunday Times newspaper reported that the schools’ body had recommended a 6.5 per cent rise for teachers.

A Department for Education (DfE) spokesperson claimed its lower offer was a “fair and reasonable one for teachers, recognising their incredible work and commitment.”