Minimum service levels for schools during strikes
The government has announced it will introduce minimum service levels (MSLs) during strikes so that children's education is not disrupted.
The Education Secretary, Gillian Keegan, has written to union leaders inviting them to discuss proposals on a voluntary basis in the first instance. In her letter she is clear that should a voluntary agreement not be reached the government is committed to using powers granted through the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Act that was introduced earlier this year. Such a move would lead to a consultation and is expected to include a range of models for MSLs in education, for parents, teachers, and other stakeholders to provide views on.
The announcement follows the disruption during industrial action last academic year, which the DfE says resulted in over 10 days of action in schools, leading to 25 million school days that were lost cumulatively. This was despite the efforts from many school leaders and teachers to keep classrooms open.
The introduction of MSLs will bring education in line with other key public services such as healthcare and transport. MSLs will provide a better balance between the right of workers to strike, and the importance of education.
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