Strike 'could hit 6,800 schools'

Today's teachers strike could affect more than 6,000 schools as staff protest over pay.

Warnings from 88 local authorities - half of the total - show that 28 per cent of schools expect some disruption during the one-day strike, reports the BBC.

If this trend is seen throughout all local authorities, around 6,800 schools out of the UK's 24,000 could be affected by the action.

On the back of the announced strike, childcare providers have seen a five-fold increase in demand for their services as parents struggle to take time off work following the Easter holidays.

Teachers have agreed to a one-day strike to highlight concerns over the government's proposed pay rise, which are below the level of inflation.

Christine Blower, acting general secretary of the National Union of Teachers (NUT), told the news provider: "What we're saying to the government is, if you really do value teachers, then make sure that they're paid at least at the level of inflation."

The strike was announced by the NUT on April 2nd, just before the sudden death of then-general secretary Steve Sinnott.