SOME Southend schools are expected to close as public sector workers strike in a dispute over pay, pensions, working conditions and jobs.

Teachers are expected to walk out of some schools on Thursday, while some staff at Southend Council may also go on strike.

The National Union of Teachers will be joined by Unison and the GMB, whose members are striking as part of their dispute over pay negotiations for staff in local authorities and non-teaching staff in schools.

Refuse and recycling collections won’t be affected.

Ron Woodley, leader of Southend Council, said: “It is possible that some council services will be affected.

“We will be doing our best to ensure that disruption is kept to aminimum to front-line services, but we are expecting school closures.”