TEACHERS UNION SET TO TAKE STRIKE ACTION IN FEBRUARY AND MARCH AS LAST RESORT

Teachers in England and Wales are set to walk out on strike next month over disputes about conditions and pay.

They had been offered a 5% pay rise last year but the National Education Union (NEU) is seeking 12%, declaring that the 5% offer equates to a pay cut, because of high inflation rates of over 10%.

National strikes are scheduled for 1 February, 15 and 16 March. There are several regional dates in-between.

A total of 90% in England and 92% in Wales of NEU members said that they backed strikes, with 58% of members returning their ballot forms – more than the 50% turnout required.

Action will take place on the following days:

1 February: All schools in England and Wales

14 February: All schools in Wales

28 February: North and north-west England, Yorkshire and Humber

1 March: East Midlands, West Midlands, and the NEU's eastern region

2 March: South-east and south-west England, and London

15 and 16 March: Two-day strike of all schools in England and Wales