TEACHER strikes next week could now be scrapped by unions as a "sign of goodwill" if ministers budge on pay.
Bosses would recommend to the NEU's executive that walkouts on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday should be paused.
A statement said: "We welcome the commitment to substantive and formal talks to resolve the dispute – which is fundamentally about pay and funding this year.
"In a sign of goodwill, if substantive progress can be made, we are prepared to recommend a pause to strikes next week to our National Executive Committee this Saturday.”
Last night Education Secretary Gillian Keegan invited unions to fresh wage negotiations – on the condition they halt strikes.
The NEU snubbed the olive branch and said it was "nothing substantial" to get them to back down.
But in a screeching u-turn this afternoon the militant union signalled it could return to the table and call off the strikes.
READ MORE ON POLITICS
Rishi WON’T sell out over Brexit, minister says amid Tory backlash
Rishi warned Tories face wipe out as Brexit ‘betrayal’ meet held TONIGHT
The NEU has been demanding ministers increase last year's 5 per cent pay rise to meet double-digit inflation.
Most read in The Sun
Chaos at ITV as host pulls out minutes before live show
Mum failed by Nicola cops left suicide note saying 'hope my life saves another'
Horror moment Dan Walker knocked out after being hit by car & flung from bike
Maddie's parents suffer 'unnecessary pain' over woman's claims, source says
Ministers have not ruled out revisiting last year's offer in the negotiations, but want to focus on the upcoming pay review.
The Department of Education last night said a 3.5 per cent hike would be "affordable".
Climbing down from their position last night, co-general secretaries Mary Bousted and Kevin Courtney said: "We are ready to begin negotiations now.
"We are prepared to negotiate every day, and throughout the weekend, to make progress.
"But the government is not willing to begin negotiations until the NEU agrees, prior to the commencement of negotiations, to pause its action next week."
Source: Read Full Article