NAHT(NI) to commence industrial action after negotiations fail to deliver workload relief for school leaders

NAHT(NI), the union representing the majority of school leaders in Northern Ireland, has today confirmed that it will commence industrial action from 00:01 on 28 September 2026, following the failure of negotiations to deliver the immediate workload relief demanded by its members.

The decision follows months of engagement with employers and the Department of Education, during which NAHT(NI) secured an unprecedented mandate for action in its industrial action ballot, delivered on an exceptionally high turnout.

From the outset, NAHT(NI) sought the involvement of the Labour Relations Agency and entered into an intensive programme of negotiations with employers and the Department of Education.

NAHT(NI) says the strength of the industrial mandate did provide some movement in the negotiating environment that had not previously been evident.

Dr Graham Gault, National Secretary of NAHT(NI), said:

Our members delivered an exceptionally powerful mandate because they have reached the point where they can no longer continue working in conditions that are unsafe, unsustainable and professionally indefensible.

Following the ballot result, we detected some movement in the negotiating room. That movement was not accidental. It was a direct consequence of the strength of feeling among school leaders and the industrial leverage created by our members’ overwhelming support.

Indeed, Management Side themselves requested additional time to continue negotiations. In good faith, and because our objective has always been to secure meaningful change rather than industrial action for its own sake, NAHT agreed to a further two-week extension to test whether employers and the Department were prepared to deliver real, lasting and contractual workload relief.

Despite the extension, NAHT(NI) says it became apparent today that employers were unable to provide the immediate relief required by members and so that protection will be provided by industrial action.

Dr Gault continued:

Since opening this dispute in February, we have acted responsibly and proportionately. We have provided multiple opportunities for resolution, agreed extensions to talks, engaged intensively through established mechanisms and participated fully in LRA conciliation.

Unfortunately, despite every opportunity being afforded to them, employers and the Department have been unable to produce a package capable of addressing the crisis facing school leadership.

The patience of our members has been tested beyond anything that could reasonably be expected. While we acknowledge the efforts made during negotiations, ultimately they have not delivered the immediate protection that school leaders require.

NAHT(NI) has now formally notified employers of its intention to commence a programme of industrial action short of strike action from 28 September 2026.

The union will issue detailed guidance to members setting out the first phase of action in the coming days.

Simon Mowbray, President of NAHT(NI), said:

School leaders have spent years absorbing pressure that rightly belongs elsewhere in the system. They want to focus on leading learning and teaching, supporting staff, safeguarding children and improving outcomes.

Instead, they continue to be overwhelmed by excessive administrative and operational burdens.

This action is about protecting school leaders and restoring the conditions necessary for safe, sustainable leadership. Our members have spoken clearly, and their union will now act on the mandate they have provided.

NAHT(NI) emphasised that it remains willing to engage in meaningful discussions should employers and the Department bring forward proposals capable of delivering the workload relief sought by members.

Paul Whiteman, general secretary of school leaders’ union NAHT, said:

Industrial action is never something NAHT pursues lightly. As a union representing school leaders, our instinct is always to seek constructive solutions through dialogue and negotiation, and across our history we have only taken such action in the most exceptional circumstances.

The fact that school leaders in Northern Ireland have secured such a powerful mandate and have now been driven to take industrial action speaks volumes about the severity of the pressures they are facing. They have shown remarkable patience throughout this process, giving every opportunity for a negotiated settlement to be reached.

When dedicated professionals who are committed first and foremost to serving children, families and communities conclude that industrial action is necessary, it is clear that the situation has become untenable. Their case is justified, their concerns are legitimate, and their determination to secure safe and sustainable leadership for schools is fully warranted.

NAHT members across Northern Ireland, England and Wales stand firmly alongside their colleagues. School leaders throughout our union recognise these pressures and support the action being taken. Northern Ireland’s school leaders have the full backing and solidarity of the whole NAHT family as they seek the workload relief and professional protection they deserve.