Givan welcomes approval of Ministerial Direction on Teachers’ Pay

Date published: 18 December 2025

The approval follows the use of the Urgent Decision procedure, reflecting the importance of avoiding further delay in progressing teachers’ pay arrangements.

Paul Givan said: 

“It was essential that the Ministerial Direction on the 2025–26 teachers’ pay award proceeded without delay, given the serious consequences that any postponement would have had.

“Following yesterday’s Executive meeting, I wrote to the First Minister and the deputy First Minister setting out both the decision required and the implications of deferring it. The First Minister and deputy First Minister have now considered the matter, and I am pleased that approval has been given for the Ministerial Direction. This enables discussions to progress and provides an important step towards ensuring teachers are treated fairly.”

Paul Givan continued: 

“While this is a positive step forward, the wider financial challenge for my Department remains acute. I continue to work with officials and the Education Authority to reduce the projected deficit of c£267m for this financial year, but critical pressures persist. 

“My decision to bring forward a Direction underlines my continued commitment to Northern Ireland’s teaching professionals and the pupils and school communities they serve. I welcome the opportunity for the Teachers’ Negotiating Committee to meet early in the New Year to take the pay offer forward and I will continue to press for the resources our schools need to support teachers, pupils and families right across Northern Ireland.” 

Pay negotiations take place under the Teachers’ Negotiating Committee (TNC), which brings together Trade Unions and Management. Engagement on teachers’ pay has already been underway and approval of the Ministerial Direction now enables TNC to meet formally to take a pay offer forward in the New Year.