Teachers have warned how education is on the line after thousands joined pickets on a day of strike action. More than 12,000 members of the National Education Union (NEU) were expected to walk out in Greater Manchester today (February 1).
Hundreds of classrooms closed their doors to pupils, with many schools asking certain year groups to stay at home and some closing entirely. Picket lines formed on the streets outside, while the NEU estimated 85% of schools in England and Wales were affected by today's industrial action.
While the dispute revolves around pay, striking teachers told the Manchester Evening News it was about something even more significant - the quality of children's education. Out on the picket line outside Whalley Range High School this morning, geography teacher Ben Lear said: "Kids are not getting the best education.
