School strikes end as union and council compromise

Disruptive strike action at a series of schools has been called off after a compromise was reached.

Members of the teaching union NASUWT in Northumberland had been due to walk out on Thursday, but returned to work after a compromise was reached between the union and Northumberland County Council.

Teachers had been striking over fears of potential job losses as the Berwick partnership of schools moves from a three-tier to a two-tier system.

The agreement will see three middle schools close, but with new rules for ring-fencing staff in the first round.

John Hall, NASUWT National Executive Member for Northumberland, said it was a good outcome but warned that further strike action could take place if there were more disagreements.

"We will now have to wait and see," he told the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

"It is a compromise."

Mr Hall said the union had secured a re-ballot for the next six months so if "things go off track" they would have that to fall back on.

NASUWT officials previously said plans to close Glendale, Tweedmouth and Berwick middle schools by 2026 would put 142 staff at risk, with only 50 to 60 jobs available after restructuring.

The move led to disruptive strikes earlier this month.

Councillor Guy Renner Thompson from Northumberland County Council welcomed the strikes being called off.

He said: "Parents in Berwick and across North Northumberland will be relieved.

"It has always been our aim to make sure as many of the staff gain employment, and we have two years to reach that goal."

The reorganisation is taking place ahead of a £50m investment across the partnership, which will include new buildings for Berwick Academy.

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