Teachers start vote on strikes

The National Union of Teachers (NUT) is asking tens of thousands of teachers if they are in favour taking strike action over the plans.

It was the first to begin balloting, and will be closely followed by the Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL) which will begin asking its members to vote later this week.

Both unions passed resolutions at their annual Easter conferences last month agreeing to ballot for action over Government plans they say will leave them working longer, paying more and receiving less when they retire.

If approved, strikes could take place next month, affecting millions of children at virtually every school in the country.

NUT general secretary Christine Blower said: “It is quite clear that the Government wants teachers to pay more, work longer and get less for their pensions.”