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Strike could force three-quarters of schools to close

strike could force three-quarters of schools to close

26 September 2013

Next week’s planned strike by NUT and NASUWT union members is likely to result in three-quarters of schools being forced to close.

Strike action places head teachers in a difficult position. Whilst they can ask staff if they are planning to strike, they cannot force them to reply. In any event, even if staff do not intend to strike, they may be unwilling to cross a picket line on the day. In addition, schools are not allowed to engage agency workers to replace striking staff and non-striking staff can legitimately refuse to carry out tasks outside of their job descriptions.

Communication is key. Most heads will have a good understanding of their staff and their likely action in order to assess whether school closure is required. Clear and advance communication to parents will help to minimise disruption.

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