Gillian Keegan says teachers don’t need to threaten strikes

Education secretary says she looks forward to de-escalation' as unions in England ballot over industrial action

The education secretary has made a veiled plea for teachers in England to de-escalate" and avoid industrial action, arguing that progress can be made on pay and other concerns without the threat of harmful" strikes.

All four major teaching unions in England are balloting their members on possible strike action over pay, with the National Education Union and NASUWT saying that the pay rise given in September - about 5% on average - is inadequate given rampant inflation and the cost of living crisis.