SCHOOLS across Dorset could shut later this month after teachers backed strike action in protest against the government’s proposed pension changes.

The strike date was confirmed yesterday after members of the National Union of Teachers (NUT) and the Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL) voted overwhelmingly in favour of a national walkout on June 30.

The action is in protest against proposed changes which will leave teachers working longer, paying in more and receiving less when they retire.

Geoff Cooke, Dorset secretary for the NUT, which has more than 1,600 local members, said they were “angry and disappointed.”

He added: “Feelings are very strong and we are very pleased with the resounding ‘yes’ vote. Virtually everyone is up in arms about the attack on their pensions and determined to fight against the changes.”

It is the first time in the ATL’s 127-year history that the union has voted for a national walkout, with 83 per cent in favour. Members of the University and College Union (UCU) are also expected to join the strike action.

ATL general secretary Dr Mary Bousted described the result as “a warning shot across the bows” to government, adding: “We didn’t want to have to ballot members to strike but the government gave us no choice.”

Results from the NUT’s ballot showed 92 per cent of members were in favour, with 40 per cent of state school members and 27 per cent of private school members voting.

Mr Cooke added that the walkout was likely to mean that some schools in Dorset would close on June 30, because of a lack of teaching staff.

A rally and march through Dorchester are being planned on the day of the strike, with union members gathering at County Hall at 9.30am.

Borough of Poole’s head of children and young people’s services Stuart Twiss said: “In the event that any strike action places a risk on the safe running of a school then we would leave the decision over closure with the governing body in partnership with the headteacher.

“Parents will be kept informed in the usual way.”

A Bournemouth council spokeswoman said they had received no information from schools regarding strike plans.

Factfile

The decision by teachers to strike received a mixed reception from shoppers in Bournemouth town centre yesterday.

Retired police officer and grandfather-of-seven Carl Watkins, 63, from Ringwood said: “I really sympathise with them because of the effect these changes will have on their pensions.

“Teachers are responsible people and it’s sad they are having to take such desperate measures.”

But mum-of-two Chevrolette Williams, 24, from Boscombe told the Daily Echo: “I think it’s wrong; how are parents who both work going to cope if their children can’t go to school on June 30 It’s really going to affect families.”

Carole Simpson, a day-tripper and mum-of-one from Swindon, said: “I’m a local Government officer so I know what the teachers are facing.

“It’s a shame that they have to strike and that it will affect the children but unfortunately it’s their only option.”