The recently published evidence to the STRB reiterates the Department’s view that targeting pay at the early career with a higher starting salary of £30,000 ‘’remains critical to addressing recruitment and retention challenges where they are greatest and thereby ensuring good value for money for taxpayers’’.
The government’s view is that, following the additional funding provided in the Autumn statement, an overall award of 3.5% (made up of 3% rise for most teachers and leaders, and an increase in starting salaries to £30,000) would be ‘’manageable’’ within schools’ budgets next year.
The impact of energy costs is also referenced, with the government suggesting that a fall in energy costs could result in a higher award…’’Different energy scenarios mean that more headroom could be available than the 3.5% currently estimated. This could allow for additional investment in areas which benefit pupils, including, for example, a higher pay award’’.
Full details can be found in the evidence to the school teachers’ review body published on the 21st February 23.
