Schools in many parts of Scotland to close next month due to strikes


Lucy Garcia
Wed, 21 December 2022

Teachers from the Scottish Secondary Teachers' Association union (SSTA) on the picket line at Smithycroft Secondary School in Glasgow (Image: Lucinda Cameron)

SCHOOLS in many parts of Scotland have announced they will be closed as teachers walk out on strike next month in a dispute over pay.

The Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) and NASUWT members in primary schools will take strike action action on January 10 while those in secondary schools will walk out on January 11, joined by Scottish Secondary Teachers’ Association (SSTA) members.

Teachers have already rejected a deal which would see most staff in classrooms receive a 5% pay rise, although the lowest earning teachers would get a 6.85% increase.

Several councils, including Highland and Aberdeen City Council, have announced that schools in their areas will be shut, while Glasgow City Council said it is “likely” they will be.

A Highland Council spokesperson said: “Following notification of strike action by the Educational Institute of Scotland, the Highland Council has taken the decision to close all primary and early learning and childcare settings on January 10, 2023, and all secondary schools on January 11, 2023, to pupils across Highland on these dates.

“The safe supervision of children and young people is of utmost importance and, given that we anticipate significantly reduced numbers of both management and teaching staffing in schools and early learning and childcare settings, a decision has been made to close all educational establishments to pupils.

READ MORE: Activists 'hopeful' as Scottish Parliament gender debate hits day two

“It is hoped that a clear decision will enable parents and carers to plan ahead for the disruption expected.”

The council said that a letter has been sent to all parents affected.

An Aberdeen City Council spokesperson said: “Given the high level of uncertainty around the number of teaching staff who will be available to teach classes, we have taken the decision to close city primary schools and Orchard Brae School on January 10, and secondary schools on January 11. Schools have written to parents and carers to inform them about arrangements.”

Glasgow City Council has not made a final decision but told parents that it is “likely” that schools will close, including on January 16 when EIS members are due to begin further action.