TEACHERS in East Lancashire have blasted the 3.3 per cent pay rise they have been offered by the Government.

Union leaders from the area have spoken with one voice to say their pay continues to fall behind those of other professions.

Simon Jones, secretary of the NUT in East Lancashire accused the Government of trying to dress up the increase as inflation busting and generous.

He added: "This increase is well below the average rise in salaries of 4.6 per cent.

"Although higher than inflation it leaves teachers worse off relative to other groups. It gives a starting salary some £2,000 lower than available in competing occupations. This is no aid to recruitment. This minimal increase offers no hope of overcoming the recruitment crisis and leaves existing teachers underpaid, under-valued and overwhelmed by their ever-increasing workload and the excessive demands of government."

Andrew Jones, secretary of the NASUWT in East Lancashire added: "While the pay rise beats inflation, it falls below the average earnings rise and so takes teaching down a further notch or two in the salaries league table.

"Every government is the same. They all want a Rolls Royce education service powered by a Mini Metro engine."

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