Alliance Education spokesperson Chris Lyttle MLA has welcomed a commitment by the Education Minister that fair teacher pay and conditions is moving in a “positive direction”.

The comment by Peter Weir came at today’s Assembly Education Committee, followed by a formal offer to the main teaching unions. Mr Lyttle, Chair of the Committee, said he hoped it would result in a resolution of the industrial dispute relating to back pay.

“I welcome today’s assurance by the Education Minister around fair teacher pay and conditions, further to the 2020/21 Budget forecast,” said East Belfast MLA Mr Lyttle.

“This was a priority issue identified in the New Decade New Approach agreement, and would be a long overdue recognition of the service our teachers provide for all our young people, as well as the current leadership they are demonstrating by continuing to provide education for a number of children throughout the coronavirus pandemic.

“In my role as Assembly Education Committee Chair, I will continue to seek clarity from the Education Minister on a number of issues during this crisis, including examinations, childcare provision and assistance for special schools. I hope the Minister’s movement on fair pay and conditions resolves at least one of those matters.”