TEACHERS across Comet country are preparing for their first national strike for more than two decades. The National Union of Teachers (NUT) is holding a 24-hour strike on Thursday in response to the School Teachers Review Body s recommended pay increase

TEACHERS across Comet country are preparing for their first national strike for more than two decades.

The National Union of Teachers (NUT) is holding a 24-hour strike on Thursday in response to the School Teachers' Review Body's recommended pay increase because it wants pay rises equivalent to the rate of inflation.

There are approximately 10,000 NUT members in 525 Herts schools. So far, only six schools in Stevenage and North Herts have confirmed they will be affected by the strike action.

Christine Hood, Hertfordshire's NUT secretary, said: "The support is not bad at all in Comet country. Some schools are completely closing, others are keeping their sixth forms open and some are just opening for exam students.

"There is massive support from members because they are fed up with having under inflation pay rises for the past three years and below inflation for the next three years which means the Government will have cut their pay by 10 per cent."

In Bedfordshire, 49 out of the county's 218 schools will be affected but only one school in Mid Beds has confirmed that it will be closed or partially closed.

Cllr Rita Drinkwater, cabinet member for education on Beds County Council, said: "In essence this is not an argument involving the county council, it is between the NUT and the national pay review body. The majority of schools in Bedfordshire will be open or partially open, although there will clearly be disruption at some. The county council will continue to keep parents informed of the overall situation via its website, and is working with schools to minimise the disruption."

People are advised to contact their child's school to see if they are affected.

Hundreds of teachers from across Hertfordshire are expected to attend a rally which is taking place at Plinston Hall in Letchworth GC at 10.30am on Thursday.

Stevenage and North Herts

Closed

Highover JMI and Nursery School, Hitchin

The Valley School, Stevenage

Partially closed

Hitchin Boys' School

Lordship Farm Primary, Letchworth GC

Larwood Special School, Stevenage

Fairlands Primary School, Stevenage

Barclay School, Stevenage

Bedwell Primary School, Stevenage

Mid Beds

Partially closed

Stratton Upper, Biggleswade