Teachers in England and Wales vote to strike

Schools have been told they can use volunteers to stay open after teachers voted to strike on seven days between now and midMarch in a row over pay.

- KATE DEVLIN

Teachers across England and Wales have voted to strike over the next two months amid fears walkouts will lead to a return to online lessons and Covid-style classes.

Nine out of 10 members of the National Education Union (NEU) voted for the action and the union passed the 50 percent ballot turnout required by law.

The NEU announced there would be seven days of walkouts between now and mid-March, but said any individual school will be affected only on four days.

The Department for Education (DfE) has issued updated guidance for schools. The guidance calls on headteachers to "take all reasonable steps to keep the school open for as many pupils as possible".

While the decision to open, restrict attendance or close academy schools lies with the academy trust, the DfE said it is usually delegated to the principal, and the decision for maintained schools rests with the headteacher.

The latest guidance stated: "It is best practice for headteachers to consult governors, parents and the local authority, academy trust or diocesan representative (where appropriate) before deciding whether to close."

Headteachers are entitled to ask staff whether they intend to strike, the DfE added.