Over the past three years, teachers’ pay across Europe has generally increased, the latest research shows.

Between 2013-14 and 2015-16, primary school teachers’ minimum salaries in 32 out of the 37 countries and territories with comparable figures increased, according to data from Eurydice, the education information network established by the European Commission. Two stayed the same and only primary teachers in France, Belgium (French), and Norway experienced a drop in pay.

For teachers at upper secondary school level, 31 countries and territories increased their minimum salaries between 2013-14 and 2015-16; two stayed the same; and only Denmark, Belgium (French), France and Norway dropped.

‘Strong case for a cap on pay rises’

England’s education secretary, Justine Greening, has argued that teachers’ pay rises should be capped at 1 per cent in 2017, stating that there was a “strong case” for the rate, despite concerns over teacher recruitment and retention.

Over the last three years, minimum teachers’ salaries in England and Wales have increased by £1,760 at primary and upper secondary school level, the data shows. But in Scotland, primary and upper secondary school teachers were paid over £2,000 more in 2015-16 than in 2013-14.