Teachers join industrial action over pension cuts

The National Association of Schoolmasters and Union of Women Teachers (NASWUT) has voted in favour of industrial action over proposed pension cuts.

The union, which is the largest of the teaching bodies, has voted in favour of a "work to rule" action in which they will refuse to carry out any duties other than teaching children.

From 1 December, teachers taking part will refused to carry out paperwork, administration, extra-curricular activities and other non-teaching duties.

It has not been confirmed members of NASWUT will join in a one-day walk-out on 30 November with other public sector workers protesting over pension reform.

Potential reforms include increased employee contributions, reduced payouts and later retirement dates, as recommended by Lord Hutton in his review of public sector pensions.

In a turnout of 40%, 82% of members voted for a strike whilst 91% voted for industrial action short of a strike.

Teachers have previously argued the Teachers' Pension Scheme (TPS) is not the same as other public sector schemes, and is not and has never been in deficit.