Teachers were awarded a 2.5% rise this year and next

The ATL, NASUWT and PAT have submitted their claim to the body which advises the government on pay claims.

The unions argue the salary settlement for 2008-2011 must "restore and enhance pay levels to reward teachers as highly -skilled professionals."

The government says teachers' pay has risen by 15% in real terms since 1997.

The next pay settlement for teachers is currently being discussed by unions, employers and the Department for Education and Skills (DfES).

Teachers deserve to be recognised for their hard work and dedication Philip Parkin PAT union

Dr Mary Bousted, general secretary of ATL, said: "Without a decent pay award the profession will return to the bad old days of boom and bust and leach teachers to better-paid jobs.

"And it's really important for the morale and motivation of the teaching profession that all staff are treated equally - those in front of the white board as well as those running the school."

'Economic pressures'

The current settlement saw teachers' salaries rise by 2.5% last September, followed by a further 2.5% rise this year.

In its submission to the School Teachers Review Body, the unions also point to rising inflation as a further reason for their claim.

They argue that "current pay levels are now being seriously eroded by rising inflation, leaving teachers increasingly vulnerable to economic pressures."

The unions also say that, while there has been "progress" in teachers' pay, earnings lag behind those in comparable positions - with primary school teachers' earning 24% less than science professionals.

Philip Parkin, general secretary of PAT, said: "Teachers deserve to be recognised for their hard work and dedication. Without a decent, above- inflation pay rise teachers will face a cut in real terms.

WHAT TEACHERS EARN newly qualified, after four years at university: �19,641 after seven years: �31,098 head teacher: 38,559 - �95,631 depending on school size figures exclude London and fringe area weightings

"Teachers should be properly rewarded for their achievements in raising standards and in implementing streams of government initiatives."

The government has set a public sector pay target of just 2% - prompting moves among some unions to ballot for strike action.

It believes inflation will be back to that level by the end of the year.

A DfES spokesperson said: "Since 1997 teachers have received on average a 15% real terms increase in pay.

"The secretary of state makes a decision on pay increases following recommendations from an independent body which takes evidence from a range of groups, including the teaching unions."

"We look forward to continuing a constructive dialogue with NASUWT, ATL and PAT on this and other issues to ensure teachers receive fair and competitive pay and conditions."