Parents told of strike-hit schools

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Children's Secretary Ed Balls said parents across the country would share his feelings about the stoppage, which is set to close scores of schools in England and Wales and affect many others, on Thursday.

The National Union of Teachers has called the strike in protest at a 2.45% pay rise this year which it believes will make recruiting new staff more difficult.

Mr Balls said on a visit to a children's centre in London: "I'm on the side of parents who will be disappointed if their children's education is disrupted on Thursday, because we have decided to accept an independent pay review.

"The majority of teachers do not want to strike."

Ivan Ould, chairman of the National Employers' Organisation for School Teachers, which represents children's services authorities and local education authorities in England and Wales, said: "Children so close to their exams will lose out on invaluable study time and parents will lose out as they are forced to take unnecessary holiday to look after them.

"The pay award was based on an independent body's recommendation and provides a deal that is both fair to teachers and affordable for the taxpayer.

"Councils and schools are working together to ensure the minimum possible disruption."

Local government employers believe the effect of the industrial action will vary depending on the concentration of NUT membership. A number of authorities in London have indicated that most of their schools will be closed on Thursday.

About 100,000 civil servants and thousands of council workers will also go on strike on Thursday in separate disputes over pay.