All schools to close in Moray on January 19 due to strike action
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MORAY Council has advised parents and carers that all schools in the region will close on Thursday, January 19 for further teacher strike action.
Teachers from across the region returned to the picket lines on Tuesday and Wednesday this week resulting in the closure of primary and secondary schools for a day each.
However, a further day of strike action is set to take place next week with COSLA and the Scottish Government so far failing to resolve the dispute over pay.
Vivienne Cross, Moray Council’s Head of Education, said: “Due to the potential high numbers involved, the disruption to schools is so significant that we have been left with no alternative but to take the difficult decision to close all primary and secondary schools to pupils.
“I understand people’s frustration at the disruption this causes to the learning of our children and young people and that families have to make alternative arrangements for childcare.
“As a local authority we have to ensure that there are enough teachers to safely open schools in order to maintain learning and teaching. The strike is part of wider action relating to a national pay dispute which is out with our control.”
The strike action could yet be called off if a breakthrough is made in negotiations with the teaching unions. Parents and carers will be informed through their child's school if the situation changes.
Early Learning and Childcare Centres will not be impacted by the strike action and will operate as normal.
