TEACHING union leaders have slammed possible moves to introduce performance related pay in the classroom.

They say the plans could have devastating results in East Lancashire.

Speculation has been mounting in the national press that the government is planning to link teachers' pay increases to results achieved by teachers.

The move follows controversial proposals to introduce so-called "super teachers" into schools in Blackburn with Darwen's Education Action Zone.

The plans were condemned by the unions who claim they will have a massive effect on morale and cause divisions in the classroom.

Simon Jones, the National Union of Teachers' spokesman for Blackburn with Darwen, slammed the latest proposals.

Mr Jones, a member of the national executive of the NUT, said: "This would have very serious implications in Blackburn with Darwen with the huge contrasts in catchment areas for different schools.

"It would mean teachers in the most most deprived and needy schools could be paid less than colleagues in less challenging schools." Mr Jones' fears have been echoed by the General Secretary of the NUT Doug McAvoy.

He said: "The union's opposition to performance related pay is based on firm principles.

"The pay system should be fair and equitable.

"It should not be divisive and it should ensure that teachers who are doing the same job and same service are paid the same."

Mr McAvoy added: "The measurement of the quality of a teacher cannot be based on the results of pupil performance.

"Those results themselves are significantly influenced by factors external to the school and external to the teacher."

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