Teachers' strike closes Littlehampton Community School

The teachers' action will also close Slindon CE Primary School, and there will be a partial closure of Flora McDonald Junior School, Wick.

LCS head teacher Jayne Wilson, in a letter to parents, said she had hoped to arrange classes for years 9 and 11 on Thursday, but this had proved unworkable, and after talks with staff the decision had been taken to close the whole school.

A parent information evening originally planned for Thursday has also been postponed.

The NUJ is particularly strong at LCS, and David Thomas, West Sussex secretary of the union, said teachers were angry that not only would this year's 2.45 per cent pay rise be below inflation, but because it was a three-year deal, the following two years would see even worse increases of just 2.3 per cent.

"For young teachers especially, their financial situation can only get worse and worse, when you think they are also paying back student loans at 4 per cent interest.

"Our argument is with the government, not West Sussex County Council or the heads, who are in a very difficult situation."

Teachers from this area and across West Sussex are taking part in a rally at 10am on Thursday outside the Pavilion Theatre, Worthing.

More schools may be affected by the strike '” please keep

a look-out on the Littlehampton Gazette website for regular updates and read more about the strike in the Thursday, April 24 edition of the Gazette.

What do you think?

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Are teachers right to strike?

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