Teachers’ union NASUWT leader Chris Keates put the Tories on notice yesterday to expect more industrial action unless they end the “appalling” attacks on her members.

Ms Keates has been among union leaders holding talks with Education Secretary Michael Gove’s officials over the government’s plans to scrap national pay rates and make teachers work until they’re 68.

But she said Mr Gove has failed to “genuinely engage” in the talks and warned him that time is running out.

Ms Keates told the Star: “I think he’ll end up with a profession even more angry than they are if he actually doesn’t do something concrete in these talks.

“Really the ball’s in his court.”

Whether or not Tory ideologue Mr Gove makes concessions will be at the centre of discussions about the union’s next phase of industrial action at its annual conference later this month.

Shadow education secretary Tristram Hunt will address the meeting as part of Labour’s campaign to give Mr Gove and the Tories the boot at the 2015 general election.

Ms Keates said the union will help members make “informed choices” but insisted it was also necessary to “fight now.”

With the election more than a year away “the fact is our members working lives are just appalling with the things the government is doing,” she said.

“So if we can get them some respite, we will.”

“We can’t just hold off now for 12 months and say let’s hope there's a change.”