A TEACHING strike has been described as the ‘last resort’ by a union leader.

The NUT will hold a national strike on Wednesday March 26 over disputes with pay, pensions and conditions.

Lancashire and Blackburn with Darwen representative Simon Jones said: “Education secretary Michael Gove’s persistent refusals to address our ongoing dispute is deeply damaging.

“A teacher shortage crisis is looming with two in five teachers leaving the profession in their first five years.

“We have made every effort. We cancelled the strike planned for November and postponed action in February. We have indicated we will meet with Michael Gove anywhere, any time.

“It is a last resort for teachers and we deeply regret the fact that we have been put in a position whereby we have no alternative.

“Michael Gove needs to commit to serious and substantive talks on the other elements of the dispute, including on pay and pensions.”