VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Educational Institutions: Industrial Disputes

Asked by Cameron ThomasIndependentDepartment for EducationTabled Answered 4 September 2026UIN 19302

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps she is taking to minimise the impact upon pupils and students of sustained strike activity at educational bodies.

Answered by Department for Education

Strike action is damaging to pupils’ education and the department encourages unions and employers to work together constructively to resolve disputes. Through the department’s ‘Handling strike action in schools’ guidance, we provide advice to headteachers to take all reasonable steps to keep schools open for as many pupils as possible and minimise the impact on children’s education. Departmental officials and ministers regularly engage with trade unions on a wide range of issues, including matters relating to the workforce and supporting good industrial relations.

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim