Teachers to strike over school closures threat

Teachers at three middle schools said they would strike for seven days in October

Teachers at three middle schools have announced seven days of strike action in a long-running dispute over potential job losses.

There are plans to switch to a two-tier system in north Northumberland and shut three schools.

The education union NASUWT said the planned closure of Glendale, Tweedmouth and Berwick middle schools would put 142 staff at risk with only 50 to 60 jobs to apply for after restructuring.

Northumberland County Council said it was trying to "secure permanent employment" for all staff over the next two years.

Teachers at the three schools held a number of walkouts earlier this year.

NASUWT said the latest action would take place from 7 to 10 October and from 21 to 23 later in the month.

Union national executive member, John Hall, told the Local Democracy Service Reporting Service members were "angry" about their treatment.

He said: "It's an utter and complete mess.

"The county council, along with the recruiting headteachers are trying to move ahead without agreement on the appointments procedure for staff.

"Members are just so frustrated and angry with the way they have been treated - they feel bullied."

He said the union would hold talks next week with the authority about voluntary redundancies.

A county council spokesperson said: "We continue to work closely with the schools and the trade unions to ensure staff across the partnership are supported during this process."

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