The Government has criticised the National Union of Teachers for scheduling a possible one-day walk-out for next month as other unions have stopped short of industrial action.

But delegates at the union's annual conference in Manchester will call for a "catch-up" pay award of 7% and reaffirm their willingness to take industrial action.

Ministers have announced a 2.45% rise for teachers in England and Wales this year, with further rises of 2.3% in 2009 and 2010.

The NUT claims this offer represents a real-terms pay cut as it is below the rate of inflation.

A motion scheduled for debate at the NUT conference today states: "Teachers see the Government's willingness to cut their living standards as part of a bigger pattern of its lack of concern for their wellbeing and lack of respect for their professionalism."

Delegates will call for talks with ministers to agree "a catch-up award of at least 7%" to reflect how far they say teachers' pay has fallen behind that of other workers in recent years.

The union is already balloting members on a one-day strike over pay, provisionally scheduled for April 24.

Steve Sinnott, NUT general secretary, said he was "confident" teachers would vote in favour of industrial action.

Mr Sinnott called on the Government to reconsider its 2.45% offer.