COUNCILS are warning parents that a National Union of Teachers' (NUT) strike planned for Thursday, April 24, may result in schools having to close. The strike action may result in the full or partial closure of schools in the three counties around Haslemere: Surrey, West Sussex and Hampshire. The full extent of the impact of the strike will not be known, however, until schools return after the Spring holidays. Parents should check with their schools whether they plan to close, as it will depend how many of their teaching staff are NUT members and if schools can cover by using supply teachers. School websites should also contain updates on the situation. Members of the NUT voted for a one-day strike over pay. This will be the first national stoppage for over 20 years. Just days after announcing the strike, news came of the sudden death of the NUT's general secretary, Steve Sinnott, age 56. Colleagues at the union are promising to forge ahead as a mark of respect to the teacher and trade unionist. Councillor David Kirk, in charge of education in Hampshire, said: "It's a possibility some schools will have to close. Schools are effectively self- governing and they'd have to take a view whether they can afford to hire supply teachers. "I would express disappointment about this strike as it comes during a critical time for pupils, especially in year 11 as they prepare for GCSEs." Keith Gardiner, the NUT's executive member for Hampshire, said rising house prices and utility bills mean teachers earn less than in 2005. The union has called on ministers to raise the teachers' pay rise from 2.45 per cent to at least the 4.1 per cent rate of inflation. Newly-qualified teachers are paid just over £20,000 a year. West Sussex County Council is preparing a list of schools which may be affected on its West Sussex Grid for Learning website at wsgfl.westsussex.gov.uk.
