Education Minister Paul Givan has appealed to teaching unions to stay at the negotiating table with employers and to rethink their plan to begin industrial action short of strike on 28 September, following an announcement by the Northern Ireland Teaching Council (NITC).

Speaking after the announcement, he said: "I am disappointed by the announcement, particularly given the constructive discussions that took place during July and August and the meaningful progress that was made across the majority of the issues under discussion. "While further work is required on a small number of issues, I believe there remains scope to reach a negotiated agreement. My Department remains committed to the process and stands ready to continue discussions aimed at finding a way forward.

"I recognise the pressures facing teachers and the wider education workforce, and my Department has been working to deliver practical measures to support them. My priority remains securing the best possible outcomes for children and young people. I hope all parties will continue to engage constructively to build on the progress already made, with the aim of reaching agreement and minimising any potential impact on schools and pupils."