Strike will close South Lakeland Schools

10:45am Tuesday 15th July 2008

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A STRIKE called by teaching assistants and support staff is set to close two schools fully and a further three schools partially this week.

Members of the Unison and Unite trade unions will be walking out, on Wednesday and Thursday, in a row over pay.

The industrial action will see the closure of Dale Street Infant and Nursery School, in Ulverston, and Ulverston Victoria High School for the two days.

Other schools that will be partially closed are: Sandgate School, in Kendal; Flookburgh CE Primary School and Milnthorpe Primary School.

The strike by local government employees will also force the closure of Kendal, Milnthorpe and Ulverston libraries.

The workers, which include teaching assistants and administrative staff, have turned down a 2.45 per cent increase offer from the Government.

They claim they have had ten years of below inflation pay rises and consider this as ‘the last straw’.

A spokesman from Cumbria County Council said letters have been sent out to parents and carers.

He said: “Parents need to check these letters carefully as some after-school clubs, sports practice and other services may also be affected.”

The council spokesman said that although they predict only 23 schools across the county will close, as union members are under no obligation to give prior notice to whether they will be participating, the true affects of the strike will only be known tomorrow.