School strike hits 500,000

At least half a million children are missing classes today as teachers take their first industrial action over pay for 30 years.

More than half London's schools - at least 1,000 - are closed or facing massive disruption as militant members of the National Union of Teachers walk out in protest over cost of living allowances.

Today's strike action was attacked by parents, headteachers and politicians who said the union is risking children's education to further its own goals.

Education Secretary Estelle Morris promised that she will take a tough stance over the strike. "Striking will achieve nothing but damage to pupils, parents and teachers themselves," said her spokesman.

Her words were backed by shadow education secretary Damian Green who warned: "I do not support strikes which damage the education of children."

David Hart, leader of the more moderate headteachers' union, the NAHT, added to fears that strikes may escalate. "There will be disruption for a lot of parents today and there will be the danger of children being out on the streets. Of course I regret that," he said.

Mr Hart added: "But this is just a one-day strike. The real danger is if it escalates we could be in a much more serious position. We share the NUT's aspirations but we don't think a one-day strike will move the Government. I am very worried that this will escalate if ministers don't take the problem seriously." NUT union leaders also warned that more severe strike action could be on the way.

General secretary Doug McAvoy said teachers are striking today for the sake of pupils. He said: "Children's education is being severely disrupted by the constant turnover of supply staff because they cannot attract teachers to permanent jobs. The London allowance is simply not enough."

Today's strike has been called - after a ballot in which only a third of London's 40,000 NUT members voted - over a 3.5 per cent pay deal, which offers teachers just £2 extra a week living allowance.

Ms Morris said: "The NUT has a clear choice. It can carry on regardless, going back to the days when it seemed teachers were ready to strike at the touch of a button, or it can see sense, put pupils first and work to tackle the issues of London."

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