Striking teachers are set to march through Southend city centre next week when walk-outs are set to start.

NEU members across England, and Wales will be on strike on Wednesday (February 1) in an ongoing dispute with the Government over pay and funding.

Picket lines will be in place in large numbers of schools across the country and many south Essex schools are set to close due to the action.

In addition to picket lines, there are a number of rallies and marches taking place, with one through Southend.

Teachers will march from Roots Hall Stadium at 11.30am to Odeon Cinema in the high street, where a rally will take place from 12pm.

Commenting on the strike action next week, Paul McLaughlin, regional secretary of the National Education Union, Eastern Region, said:  “In light of the Governments clear refusal to work with us to find a solution, members will be taking action across the region on an unprecedented scale next week in order to secure a fair and fully funded settlement to this dispute.

"Parents know the consequences of persistent underfunding, both for their school/college and for their child. This strike should not be necessary, and we regret the adverse impact on parents and pupils. 

"However, Government failure to act brings us to a point where members have no choice but to exercise their democratic right to make their voices heard. With pickets at hundreds of schools and rallies in all main centres across the region, members will demonstrate that they cannot be ignored.

"We call on this Government to put right years of wilful neglect which has left the profession in dire need. They should invest properly in our education system and stem the rapid decline in pay which has led many members in our region to either leave the profession or brought them to the brink. Enough is enough.”