Berwick school strikes end as 'compromise' reached between union and Northumberland County Council
by James Robinson · ChronicleLiveDisruptive strike action at a series of schools in Northumberland has been called off - at least for now.
Members of the teaching union NASUWT had been due to walk out on Thursday, but returned to work after a compromise was reached between the union and Northumberland County Council. Members had been striking over fears of potential job losses as the Berwick partnership of schools moves to a two-tier system.
The move will see the partnership's middle schools close. The union has been pushing for staff members to see their jobs ring-fenced for roles in the new system, which has been opposed by headteachers at the hiring schools.
Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, John Hall, NASUWT National Executive Member for Northumberland agreed it was a good outcome. However, he did warn that further strike action could take place if there are more disagreements.
He said: "Thursday's strike action was called off because we have reached an agreement regarding the rules for ring-fencing staff in the first round.
"We will now have to wait and see. It is a compromise. We have secured a re-ballot for the next six months, so if things go off track we have that to fall back on.
"Hopefully, we will continue to make progress."
Coun Guy Renner Thompson, Northumberland County Council's cabinet member for children's services with responsibility for education, welcomed the news.
He told the LDRS: "Parents in Berwick and across North Northumberland will be relieved. The council has worked hard for this.
"There is two years to go until the middle schools close. It has always been our aim to make sure as many of the staff gain employment, and we have two years to reach that goal. We will be working to realise that."
The reorganisation is taking place ahead of a £50 million investment across the partnership, which will include new buildings for Berwick Academy.
Join our Northumberland WhatsApp community
Join our Northumberland WhatsApp community for all the latest news Northumberland news direct to your phone.
To join you need to have WhatsApp on your device. All you need to do is choose which community you want to join, click on the link and press 'join community'.
No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the ChronicleLive team.
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners.
If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
If you’re curious, you can read our privacy notice.