Most primary schools closed due to strike

MOST of Shetland’s primary schools are closed to children today (Tuesday) in the latest national teaching strike.

The only primaries open are Cullivoe, Fair Isle and Skeld.

Many early learning and childcare departments and out of school clubs are also open.

All of Shetland’s secondary departments will then be closed on Wednesday as part of the strike action.

Members of four teaching unions or professional associations have voted to take industrial action in an ongoing dispute over pay.

These are the Education Institute for Scotland (EIS), the NASUWT, the Scottish Secondary Teachers Association (SSTA) and the Association of Head Teachers and Deputes in Scotland (AHDS).

Unions have previously rejected a five per cent pay offer, with ten per cent their aim.

Last minute talks were held prior to today’s strike action but no resolution was found.

It came after the Scottish Government’s education secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said recent negotiations were “constructive and helpful”.