THE National Union of Teachers has announced industrial action across England and Wales over a dispute on pay and pensions on March 26.

Owen Hathway, NUT Wales Policy Officer, said: “No teacher wants to take strike action. This is always a last resort."

He added: "However, the attacks on pay and pensions by the Westminster Government will not only impact on teachers’ livelihoods but also on the sustainability of the teaching profession and education standards. This action is focused on supporting teachers, parents and pupils alike across Wales.

"The NUT called off a national strike in November and postponed action scheduled for February. Here in Wales we were able to avoid regional strike action because positive progress was being made with the Welsh Government."

Christine Blower, General Secretary of the National Union of Teachers, the largest teachers’ union, said: “Michael Gove’s persistent refusals to address our ongoing dispute over pay, pensions and conditions of service, is unnecessary and deeply damaging. As a result, thousands of good, experienced teachers are leaving or considering leaving the job and a teacher shortage crisis is looming with two in five teachers leaving the profession in their first five years.

“Strike action is always a last resort for teachers and we deeply regret the fact that we have been put in a position whereby we have no alternative.”