Teachers to get pay rises unless formally rejected

Tens of thousands of teachers who publicly refused to sign up to the new Government pay deal will still receive pay rises on January 1 unless they formally tell their representatives they are rejecting the money.

Department of Finance officials confirmed the situation as it emerged the bill will also give TDs a pay rise in 2021 — but crucially block any cabinet member from receiving an increase unless they specifically table a new law seeking more money.

Under the Public Service Pay and Pensions Bill, unions which have signed up to the agreement will be given pay increases of between 6.2% and 7.4% over the next three years.