Teachers to strike over head's suspension

NUT members at Listerdale Primary School in Brecks said the two-day walkout next Wednesday and Thursday, was being held over the “unreasonable treatment and unjustified suspension” of Craig Roberts (pictured), who is an NUT member.

The NUT, which has eight members at the school, said the action would involve “most teachers” and the school could face further strikes in the coming weeks.

The trust said Mr Roberts’ suspension  in September was necessary “in order for an independent formal investigation to take place into serious concerns of a non-safeguarding nature”, adding that it would remain in force until this was completed.

Union officials said they had put forward proposals in an attempt to avoid strike action but these had been rejected by the trust, which they said had also refused to attend talks with the government’s Advisory Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS).

The academy trust said in a statement released through the borough council that the process of suspension and investigation being followed “is prescribed and not a choice”.

It added: “The trust views this action as regrettable for the school, its children and their families.

“The trust will be putting measures in place to keep the school open during this and any other proposed industrial action.”