Extra payment for low earners

The wages boost is for eligible staff earning less than £21,000 a year.

Education Minister John O'Dowd confirmed on Thursday that he has made funding available in the current financial year for the scheme.

The move reflects a decision taken across the public sector to provide additional payments to low paid staff at a time when a pay freeze was effective, the Department of Education said.

Some education bodies had made the payment to staff in 2010/11, but were not able to repeat it in 2011/12.

Eligible staff will now receive their second payment as a result of the minister's announcement.

Mr O'Dowd also revealed that he has made funding available for eligible staff in Voluntary Grammar Schools and the Grant Maintained Integrated sector, who have yet to receive a payment for either year.

The Sinn Féin minister said: "When a decision was made to impose a two-year freeze on public sector pay, it was recognised that those on lower incomes should receive some uplift to their pay. As a result, all eligible staff were to receive a £250 payment for each year, prorated for part-time staff.

"Many staff across the education sector were affected and the payments have already been made to the majority of those who were entitled. In some instances, however, the payments remain outstanding.

"Due to affordability issues, staff in some bodies, including the Education and Library Boards, have not yet received payment for 2011/12. Today I can inform these staff that I have made funding available to ensure they do not miss out on this money."

He continued: "I will do all within my powers to ensure that the £250 payments are made without unnecessary delay and staff receive the payments they are entitled to."