New rules to stop schools shutting during teacher union strikes – what it means for parents and kids

Crackdown on school strikes

Teaching unions will be banned from shutting schools during strikes under new government rules aimed at reducing disruption for children. Education Secretary Gillian Keegan has introduced a minimum service level requirement for schools and colleges. The move comes after last year's strikes resulted in 25 million school days being lost.

Voluntary staffing on strike days

In a letter to the unions, Keegan has asked them to voluntarily keep enough staff in classrooms during walkouts. If they refuse, legal enforcement could be used. The aim is to ensure that some level of staffing is provided on strike days to prevent schools from having to close completely.

Avoiding disruption

During the last academic year, 10 days of strike action led to a total of 25 million school days lost. Keegan stated that the disruption caused by these strikes, especially in light of the ongoing pandemic, cannot be repeated. The hope is that the introduction of minimum service levels will prevent further strikes in the coming year.

Precedent in other sectors

Similar measures have already been implemented for the NHS and railway workers following significant disruption in those sectors. The Minimum Service Level Act provides legal support for such actions.

Putting education first

Keegan has called on the teaching unions to prioritize the education of children and young people by engaging with the government and resolving disputes without resorting to strikes. The aim is to ensure that education is not compromised during industrial action.