Teacher fury over IBEC criticism of pay awards

THE two teacher unions which took part in the benchmarking process have lashed out at business leaders for trying to interfere with the payment of awards.

Talks are due to begin soon on implementing the public sector pay increases recommended by the Benchmarking Body report in June, including a 13% rise for primary and second level teachers.

Employers group IBEC said it would be inappropriate for the Government to spend money on benchmarking and end up claiming back the cost with higher taxes. Teachers Union of Ireland president Derek Dunne said this, and small and medium-size business group ISME’s call for a cap on public sector pay, were unacceptable.