This week, we saw more public sector strikes. Trains and teachers, in the main. Trains are becoming more frequent and it seems that people are adapting to the inconvenience of missed services. I guess that with the lockdown, and uncertainty of rail services, people will rely less and less on trains.

The teachers’ strike was new, and unusual in that teachers did not tell their employers if they were due to strike. This leads to greater uncertainty and lack of planning opportunities for parents affected.

Everyone is struggling with the cost of living crises. It is hitting everyone’s pockets and making things tough. 82% of the working population work in the private sector and it is their taxes, in the main, that support the public services we all need and which we all respect.

But the teachers’ strike is an interesting case. From September, the starting salary of teachers will be £30,000. That’s quite a good start, and they can expect pay progression annually, both in terms of more pay because of rising up through the ranks, and the annual increase for all pay. They are required to work 195 days a year – 39 five day weeks (although I do know that many work during the holiday to prepare for their classes during term time). That leaves opportunities for extra, part time employment such as exam marking. This, of course, compares with a typical worker on 240 days per year – 48 five day weeks. Pension contribution for the final salary pension scheme is 24%, compared with the minimum in the private sector of 3% for the defined contributing scheme.

Teachers work incredibly hard, and we need their enthusiasm to help bring on the next generation. We particularly need them now as kids have had a tough time coming out of covid, with developmental and education issues that many fear may be more profound than originally thought. And, of course, parents need certainty that they can get to work without having to take time off work just in case their children’s school is unexpectedly closed.

Teachers' unions stand up for their members. But it is a slightly lost fact that it was the unions that were against free school meals during the holidays as it might require their members coming in to deliver them.

I am all for supporting our public sector workers. But it needs to be taken in context.