Meetings are continuing to take place between the teachers’ union NASUWT and Department of Education, Sport and Culture negotiators.

Minister Julie Edge was asked to provide an update in the House of Keys this week.

She said: ‘My department believes these discussions are productive and will carry on as we continue to work together professionally and constructively to seek a mutually agreeable resolution to the ongoing trade dispute with the NASUWT.

‘Whilst these negotiations are ongoing, the action short of strike action being taken remains in place and I am unable to comment any further on those talks as they are confidential.’

Arbory, Castletown and Malew MHK Jason Moorhouse said many had hoped that ‘a resolution was close’. He asked how close we are and Ms Edge only responded that negotiations are continuing.

She later explained that a meeting took place between herself, the Chief Minister and the union on February 13.

This comes after the minister said it wasn’t part of her job to be involved in negotiations.

Meetings take place weekly with the union and negotiators and more meetings are planned beyond Easter.