Durham Schools Shut Due To Strike Action

8 November 2016, 06:00

A two-day strike by County Durham teaching assistants has forced almost 90 schools to either fully or partially close.

Around 2,000 teaching assistants are holding industrial action in protest at Durham County Council's plans to reduce their pay.

The authority has proposed to sack and re-employ them on term-time contracts, to bring their pay in line with other school professionals.

However, some teaching assistants will lose 23% of their salary, which could be up to £4,000 a year.

The Association of Teachers and Lecturers has criticised the council's stance, pointing out that TAs in Newcastle are already paid thousands of pounds more than their colleagues in Durham.

Hundreds of people attended a rally outside County Hall, in Durham city centre, during half-term at the end of last month, with many there threatening strike action would be the next step.

You can find out of your child's school is affected here: http://www.durham.gov.uk/schoolclosures