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STRIKE ACTION: Some Island Schools Close As Rally Takes Place In Newport

Some Isle of Wight schools are closed today (Wednesday) as teachers stage a walk-out over pay.

Hundreds of thousands of workers are going on strike, in what will be the biggest day of industrial action for more than a decade.

Teachers in England and Wales who are members of the National Education Union are set to stage walkouts - affecting 23,000 schools.

Estimates from the NEU suggest 85% of schools across both nations will be fully or partially closed today, leaving some parents with no choice but to take leave from work or arrange childcare.

A rally is taking place in St Thomas Square, Newport today. More than 100 people from different educational work backgrounds are taking part, demanding an increase in pay and better working conditions, to help retain staff.

The feeling among most teachers on strike is that they would much rather be in the classroom, but feel they have no other option to make their voices heard. Speeches started at 11am.

The Isle of Wight Council confirmed:

"30 schools / academies had informed the Isle of Wight Council by 11am [if they were open or closed].

"Out of those 30 schools, 10 are fully open, 19 are partially open, mainly offering education for the children of critical workers and children experiencing vulnerability and one is closed."

 

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