Schools in Newham will be “significantly affected” by strike action on Wednesday, according to the regional secretary of the National Union of Teachers.

Speaking to the Recorder ahead of the one-day strike, Bob Stapley said he would be “surprised” if there were many schools in the borough which are not affected in some shape or form.

“The action will affect if not all the schools in Newham, it will be almost every one,” he said. “Some will close and I think all will be affected significantly.”

Teachers will be marching against Michael Gove’s bid to introduce performance-related pay and changes to pensions which they say will see them pay more, work longer and receive less after retirement.

Bob says teachers feel that striking is their only way of encouraging Mr Gove to address their concerns.

“We think it is really important that the Secretary of State talks to us seriously,” he said. “He has had time to do that and he has failed to do that time and time again and we have no other way to get him to address this issue.”

He suggested that parents are mainly supportive of strike action.

“Most think that teachers are doing a good job and although parents have to make alternative arrangements for childcare, they do sympathise,” he added.

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