Education Minister disappointed by unions’ announcement over workload
Date published:
Education Minister Paul Givan has expressed disappointment after a number of teachers' unions announced their intention to ballot members on industrial action over workload.
The Minister commissioned an Independent Review Panel last year to carry out a comprehensive assessment of teacher and school leader workload. The Department subsequently published a Workload Action Plan at the end of April setting out practical, deliverable and time-bound measures to address workload.
The Minister provided written clarification and assurances in response to queries raised by the unions, and Departmental and Management Side officials met with union representatives to discuss their concerns. Despite this engagement, several unions have now indicated they will proceed to ballot their members.
Paul Givan said:
“Since taking up this portfolio, addressing teacher and school leader workload has been a priority for me. Supporting the teaching profession is essential to retaining talented teachers, sustaining strong school leadership and ensuring long-term stability across our education system.
"The Workload Action Plan is a key part of my TransformED programme, which is focused on modernising education, strengthening the profession and improving outcomes for learners. It sets out a clear programme of reform to reduce unnecessary workload and build a more manageable and sustainable workload culture.
“Importantly, the Action Plan goes beyond the Independent Panel's recommendations in a number of areas and represents a strong, public commitment to teachers and school leaders.
"I am therefore genuinely disappointed that some unions have chosen to proceed to ballot. I would urge teachers and school leaders to consider carefully the full range of reforms and practical measures already in train. Meaningful and lasting progress on workload can only be achieved by working together and that work is well underway."
Notes to editors:
1. The Teacher Workforce Action Plan was published on 28 April 2026 and is available on the DE website at: https://www.education-ni.gov.uk/publications/teacher-workload-action-plan
2. The Action Plan takes forward measures to address recommendations made by the Independent Review of Teacher Workload Panel, commissioned by the Minister in May 2025.
3. Key elements of the Action Plan include measures to address working hours, support flexible working arrangements, and recognise the increasingly complex role of school leaders. It also includes additional measures beyond the Panel’s recommendations, including enhanced administrative support for schools and the phased roll-out of generative AI.
4. The Northern Ireland Teaching Council (NITC) comprises the five main teaching unions - Irish National Teachers' Organisation (INTO), National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT), National Association of Schoolmasters Union of Women Teachers (NASUWT), National Education Union (NEU), Ulster Teachers’ Union (UTU).
5. Management Side of the Teachers’ Negotiating Committee (TNC) comprises representatives of all the education employing authorities, sectoral bodies and Department of Education (Education Authority, CCMS, GBA, CnaG, NICIE and DE).
6. NITC Unions have announced a membership ballot for industrial action over workload between 10 June and 1 September 2026.
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