Teachers to reveal strike plans today

THE UK’s largest teaching union will today announce if it plans to strike – despite fears walkouts will put vulnerable children at risk.

The National Education Union (NEU) is set to say if it will take action after balloting its 300,000 members. But the Children’s Commissioner said a walkout could hurt vulnerable pupils still recovering from the impact of Covid.

Dame Rachel de Souza said youngsters ‘cannot afford’ to have yet more class time disrupted.

‘It’s damaging to children’s outcomes... And it can put some children at risk, particularly the ones that school provides protection from other difficulties in their lives,’ she wrote in the Sunday Telegraph.

The school leaders’ union NAHT, which polled 25,500 members, is also expected to announce ballot results today.

The NEU is demanding a fully funded, aboveinflation pay rise for teachers and support staff, and effective action on pay for substitutes. Strikes could start next month, it has been reported.