Crosby: High school staff to strike a second time in safety row

St Michael's is the only Church of England secondary school in Sefton

Dozens of high school staff will walk out for a second time in a safety row.

The National Education Union (NEU) said 38 members at St Michael's Church of England High School, Crosby will strike over "serious failures" by the Liverpool Diocesan Schools Trust (LDST).

A NEU picket line will be at the school on Tuesday between 07:00 and 09:00 GMT.

St Michael's Church of England High School said it "regrets" the action and would "work to minimise disruption".

It follows action last week when staff walked out on Wednesday.

The NEU said 100% of its members at St Michael's supported the strike action due to "serious failures" by LDST to implement a consistent behaviour policy at the school, which the union said had placed staff and pupils at risk.

Jim Dye, a Senior Regional Officer of NEU, said talks were ongoing with the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) to try to resolve the dispute.

"Negotiations have been productive, but a final agreement to resolve the dispute still needs to be reached, however, we remain hopeful that we can do so by Easter," he said.

"Our members are determined to ensure that a safe working environment is restored to St Michael's and hope that further strike days will not be necessary."

A spokesman for St Michael's Church of England High School said: "We have worked hard to find a negotiated settlement and believe that our amended behaviour policy addresses the concerns raised by union members.

"We are pleased to be making progress with the union but disappointed that this has not been concluded.

"The school's leadership regrets that this strike is happening and has started to put into place plans to minimise the disruption to pupils - particularly those studying hard for important exams.

"We have sent details to parents and are sorry for any disruption caused. We will continue to work to minimise the disruption."