Schools face closure in new strike

STRIKING teachers will force thousands of schools to close this term.

Members of the National Union of Teachers will walk out on July 10, just missing the GCSE and Alevel exam season, as a bitter rift with Education Secretary Michael Gove deepens.

The industrial action will also see Unison, GMB and Unite union members who work in education and local government walk out in a co-ordinated strike.

In March, an NUT national strike forced the closure of 3,000 schools and pushed thousands more on to reduced timetables.

The aim of the strikes is to challenge performance-related pay, changes to pensions and tackle ‘excessive’ amounts of work.

A spokesman for the Department for Education insisted there was ‘ no justification’ for strike action, saying: ‘ Further strikes will only disrupt parents’ lives, hold back children’s education and damage the reputation of the profession.’

The NUT accuses the Government of failing to make any significant progress in the dispute.

General secretary Christine Blower said that Mr Gove’s education reforms were damaging the teaching profession and making it a ‘ totally unattractive career choice’.

She added. ‘Teaching is one of the best jobs in the world but it is being made one of the worst under Michael Gove and the Coalition.’