Strikes 'could shut 300 schools' in Essex - BBC News

29 June 2011 Last updated at 13:31 ET

More than half of the 550 schools across Essex could be hit by strikes on Thursday, according to on union.

The National Union of Teachers (NUT) in Essex expects more than 300 schools to be closed or partially closed.

Essex County Council said it did know how many will be closed on the day of action by four teaching unions.

The unitary authority Southend Council said 37 out of its 55 schools were expected to be closed or partially closed.

Strikes on Thursday by Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS), which represents civil servants including immigration officers and job centre staff, are also likely to hit people arriving at Stansted Airport in Essex and Harwich International Port.

A spokesman for Stansted Airport said that due to the strike "arriving passengers may experience delays at passport control".

'Anger over pensions'

The PCS strike is also likely to disrupt Job Centres in Essex.

The unions are concerned at plans to change their members pension schemes.

The four teaching unions involved are members of University College Union (UCU); the National Union of Teachers (NUT); the Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL) and National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT).

Jerry Glazier, general secretary of Essex NUT, said: "The message to the government is that teachers are angry at the way the government wants to treat their pension in the future.

"We can't see why the government wants to tax teachers."

Essex county councillor Stephen Castle, cabinet member for education, said: "It is extremely disappointing that children's education could suffer because of strikes forcing some schools to close.

"This unwarranted course of action is disruptive to parents and children's education. We are of course advising schools throughout this time."

Essex County Council said it had so far been notified of 26 closures but admitted the figure was likely to rise.

Southend Council has provided a list of schools which are being closed or partially closed on its website.

Essex County Council said it may do this on Thursday, but no decision had yet been made.