He was speaking after an announcement from the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) outlining that they are officially in a trade dispute with the Department of Education, in protest against long-standing, unresolved issues around workload.

Mr Mathison, who is also Chair of Stormont’s Education Committee has said: “It’s incredibly disappointing to see relations deteriorate to the point of entering an official dispute. However, we cannot say it’s a surprising turn of events given how long these issues around workload have been left to fester unaddressed, and the lack of clear actions relating to school leaders in the Education Minister's most recent update on the workload review.

“Whilst the Minister has rushed through a range of far-reaching educational reforms, without ensuring the resources are in place to deal with it at school level, principals clearly feel that they have been pushed to the brink, struggling with unworkable conditions and unmanageable pressures every day. 

“We must now look to alleviating that strain and to stabilising the system, rather than overwhelming it further.

“Everything must be done by all parties involved to avoid any kind of industrial action. Now is the time for a step change, and for school leaders to actually be listened to and engaged with in good faith. The Minister must get round the table with them and find solutions without delay.”