HC Deb 30 October 1985 vol 84 c484W
Mr. Marlow

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he will make proposals for reductions in teachers' remuneration where disruption is caused by industrial action.

Sir Keith Joseph

It is for the employers to implement the contracts of employment which they have with their teachers. I understand that these contain provisions for the deduction of salary in certain circumstances including strike action. I also understand that a small number of authorities have made deductions in respect of disruptive action short of strikes, such as refusal to cover for absent teachers. I further understand that the National Union of Teachers contends that employers do not have the right to make such deductions, and court action is pending involving five local education authorities.