Schools across Ayrshire set to close as teachers strike over pay next Thursday

dailyrecord.co.uk:

All schools across East Ayrshire are to close next Thursday as strike action is taken by teachers over pay.The local authority has this afternoon confirmed that all of its schools will fail to open on November 24, when industrial action is taking place.Nurseries, though, are set to operate as normal.It follows a ballot by the EIS teaching union where 96 per cent voted in favour of taking action over pay terms.The planned teachers’ strike is the first such action in Scotland’s schools for four decades, and is described by the union as “a clear indication of the current level of anger and frustration amongst teachers”.Writing to parents today, East Ayrshire's education chief, Linda McAulay-Griffiths, said: "From the information provided to the Council by the teaching Trade Unions, it is evident that it will not be possible for pupils to attend school on Thursday 24th November 2022.

This will affect all schools in East Ayrshire Council. At this stage, we anticipate that all Early Childhood Centres will operate as normal."We are working with colleagues on arrangements for those pupils who require access to a Free School Meal and you will be advised of this in due course."I am aware that this will cause an inconvenience to many families, but we cannot operate without the required number of teaching staff.

I thank you for your understanding at this time."Both South and North Ayrshire Councils have yet to confirm their plans although both are expected to follow suit.Don't miss the latest Ayrshire headlines –sign up to our free daily newsletter here