The new Plaid Cymru Welsh Government has clashed with head teachers over pay within weeks of taking office. Cardiff Bay has confirmed it is delaying publishing the Independent Welsh Pay Review Body report on the 2026-27 academic year pay award for school leaders and teachers.
The decision could delay discussion and receipt of any pay award. In a strongly-worded statement, the National Association of Headteachers Cymru said: "This is not the way for any new government to treat hardworking education professionals or to establish a constructive relationship with trade unions and we sincerely hope it is not a sign of things to come."
The report, which contains the review body's recommended percentage increases, is complete and was originally due to be published on Friday, June 12, to be followed by a four-week consultation. NAHT says it and other unions were told at a meeting on Wednesday, June 10, that publication has been delayed until September.
Laura Doel, national secretary at NAHT Cymru, said: "This completely unnecessary decision will delay agreement and receipt of this September's pay award for dedicated school leaders and teachers, possibly even until the New Year. The Welsh Government has received the completed report and there is absolutely no reason to sit on it."
She added: "We would urge ministers to think again and publish the report as soon as possible to allow consultation to take place before the end of the summer term. We are also urging Plaid Cymru to match the previous administration's welcome commitment to ensure any pay award at least matches the award agreed for teachers and leaders in England. After a decade in which real-terms pay fell significantly, and with school budgets still enormously stretched, it's essential that any award is above inflation and fully funded. Treating teachers and leaders with respect and offering due recognition and reward for a job which has become increasingly difficult is vital if our schools are to recruit and retain the talented professionals needed to deliver a first-rate education for pupils."
In response to this criticism, the Welsh Government said: "We have received the Independent Welsh Pay Review Body's report and are giving careful consideration to all its recommendations including pay. We will publish the report and consult on a proposed pay award for 2026-27 after the summer holidays."
