Schools could be facing strikes this autumn if a teaching union backs industrial action to safeguard jobs.

Delegates from the National Union of Teachers, including representatives from Essex, have supported holding a ballot over strike action at their annual conference in Harrogate.

hey are unhappy about cash shortages, which have led to some schools claiming they may be forced to make redundancies to make ends meet.

Jean Quinn, an NUT representative for Colchester and North Essex, said schools are facing severe budget cuts because of a lack of funding from the Government.

She said positions at risk were mainly those of support staff and teaching assistants.

Union delegates agreed to hold a ballot later this year to ask members across the country if they supported strike action over the funding situation.

But Mrs Quinn said they wanted to avoid having to take such moves if possible.

She said: "People are very reluctant to strike. It would have to be something they feel strongly about."

Mrs Quinn said Essex Local Education Authority has said it will have to make a £64 million cutback over the next three years.

It is thought the shortage has come about because the Government has tried to redistribute wealth from the southern part of the country to the north.

Delegates at the NUT conference also agreed to hold a ballot over teachers' opposition to tests for young children.

They voted unanimously to ask members if they supported plans to boycott controversial Standard Assessment (SATs).

Published Tuesday, April 22, 2003

Brought to you by the Evening Gazette