Unions have confirmed that people in teaching jobs across the UK are now likely to strike in the new year after the education secretary Michael Gove displayed no indication that he is willing to enter negotiations over pay, pensions and working conditions.

The National Union of Teachers (NUT) and National Association of Schoolmasters Union of Women Teachers (NASUWT) accused Mr Gove of provoking industrial action after they announced teachers would suspend a one-day national walkout originally planned for before Christmas. The halting of the strike was on the premise that the education secretary was to hold "genuine talks" on key issues after he wrote to the unions stating he would meet them as many times as necessary.

However, he has said talks should focus on the introduction of reforms, as the government had already decided on its plan of action. As a result, NUT and NASUWT have reiterated their own plans to take industrial action.

A statement from the unions said a national strike in England and Wales would occur no later than February 13th 2014.

NUT general secretary Christine Blower added: "We have heard back from Michael Gove and he needs to do something different if he is going to resolve this trade dispute.

"He needs to engage in a proper programme of talks with those involved in the dispute."

A Department for Education (DfE) spokeswoman responded by stating the government does not understand how the education secretary's actions have been deemed 'provocation', explaining that NUT and NASUWT are refusing to engage in talks because the DfE wants all teaching unions to be represented.

It is nearly two months since teachers in London and the south-east held regional strikes and marched on Downing Street - will more industrial action lead to different results this time?

As a teacher or somebody looking for a teaching job, do you feel as though the two major unions represent your views? Is the government being far too stubborn in its stance?

Tell us how your feel about this major teaching issue.