Young teachers to benefit from government pledge

Young teachers should benefit from a new pledge from the schools secretary to work more closely with teaching unions to help them settle in to the profession.

Ed Balls told MPs yesterday that he wants to cooperate with unions to "improve the early years of teachers' careers", reports the Press Association.

While informing parliament that he will be accepting the recommendations from independent pay advisers to increase teacher's wages by 2.45 per cent this year, Mr Balls also noted that he wants to work to better the conditions of young teachers.

The minister confirmed that following on from the 2008 2.45 per cent pay increase, 2009 and 2010 will each see wage rises of 2.3 per cent.

He said: "I believe that this three-year award will enable teachers and schools to plan ahead," adding that he sees the offer as "fair and affordable".

A nationwide strike by the National Union of Teachers took place last month in protest against the wage levels, which members argue is below the rate of inflation.