TEACHERS have called off strike action in Wales and have accepted an improved pay offer after a ballot of union members.

Almost three-quarters of National Education Union members who were balloted in Wales voted to accept the deal negotiated with education minister Jeremy Miles.

The offer means teachers will receive an additional payment of 3 per cent for the 2022/23 academic year, made up of 1.5 per cent consolidated and a further 1.5 per cent unconsolidated lump sum.

The offer also includes an increased pay rise of 5 per cent from September 2023.

NEU Wales secretary David Evans said: “This has been a difficult time for everyone in education.

“Our members do not take decisions to go on strike lightly, but they had to make a stand given the continuing impact of austerity, cost of living and spiralling inflation.

“We would like to thank all the parents who supported teachers and support staff in the action taken.”

But the union was disappointed that the offer did not include teaching assistants and would now consider the next steps.

“We remain disappointed that the minister made no offer to teaching assistants, but we know that we have raised the profile of the critical issues which affect everyone in education,” Mr Evans said.

“Our national executive will be considering the next steps in our support staff pay campaign.”

The education minister has also confirmed that the pay deal will be fully funded by the Welsh government.

Welsh Conservative education shadow Laura Anne Jones has called on Mr Miles to explain why if the money was available this could not have been found earlier to head off the strike.