A leading south Essex headteacher has expressed disappointment after colleagues voted to hold a one-day strike.

David Brinded, chairman of the Essex Primary Heads Association, said he doubted national union representatives had done enough to head off the action.

Schools in Basildon, Billericay, Wickford, Thurrock and Brentwood will all be hit when members of the National Union of Teachers (NUT) stage the industrial action on Thursday, March 14.

Angry - David Brinded believes the NUT has not done enough to prevent a strike Picture: ROBIN WOOSEY 7BDHH1

It wants living allowances in the county - around £765 - to be boosted by a third from April but the Government is only offering an extra £27.

Mr Brinded, who is also head of Wickford's North Crescent Primary School, said: "I always think it is sad when teachers have to go on strike and I wonder whether enough talking has been done.

"I don't believe enough efforts are being put in on a national or local level to find accommodation for people who work in the public sector. Until that is addressed, this is going to continue being a real problem."

Mr Brinded said about half his staff are NUT members but admitted he is unsure how many would observe the strike.

About 86 per cent of members in the south east supported the strike.

However, just three out of ten of the 41,000 teachers eligible to vote took part - a turn-out the Government has seized on.

Living allowances are paid to teachers in three bands - inner and outer London and "fringe" areas including south Essex.

Education secretary Estelle Morris has warned teacher unions not to undermine the drive to raise standards in schools.

The minister attacked teachers' unions for "putting a block on change and reform".

However, Essex County Council, the local education authority, has refused to condemn the action.

Iris Pummell, cabinet member for education, said although she was concerned at strikes, she had enormous sympathy with teachers.

Published Thursday, March 7, 2002