A TEACHING union has called for a five per cent pay rise for teachers in Northern Ireland.
The Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), which represents around 200 heads and senior staff members, said the demands of teaching "should be reflected in teachers' pay".
In 2015-16, no cost-of-living pay award was agreed and a one per cent rise was given in 2016-17. No increase has been awarded for 2017-18.
The union said it was "calling for a five per cent increase in teachers' and school leaders' salaries for 2018-19."
"Not only would this see teachers and school leaders more fairly rewarded, but it should contribute to the resolution of the industrial action short of strike that has been impacting on schools in Northern Ireland for over a year," the body said in a statement.
"School budgets are, however, at breaking point and the pay rise must be funded by the United Kingdom government."
Teaching staff have been involved in ongoing industrial action over their pay.
