All East Ayrshire primary and secondary schools will be affected by stike action taking place next week.

Teachers will strike on Monday, January 23 after a dispute over pay.

This follows on from two days of strikes involving members of the EIS, NASUWT, Scottish Secondary Teachers' Association (SSTA) and the Association of Headteachers and Deputes (AHDS) unions last week.

They have rejected a 5 per cent pay offer arguing with inflation running at 10.1 per cent. The EIS pay claim is for 10 per cent.

Early Childhood Centres are not affected by the strike action, and will remain open as normal.

'Grab and go' lunches will be available for collection from schools between 10am and 1pm on Monday, January 23. 

South Scotland MSP, Colin Smyth is standing by the teachers throughout their battle.

He said: “Let’s be clear, our amazing teachers don’t want to strike but they feel like they’ve got no choice.

“The cost of living crisis, following on from the years of misery during the pandemic, have brought many of our public services to their knees.

“I have stood on many picket lines in solidarity with workers these past couple of months and I will continue to fully support those who feel they must go on strike.

“We must stand up for public services and I would urge both governments to take on board what the unions are telling them and start paying teachers a decent wage, that is the only thing which will prevent more disruption."

Cumnock Chronicle: MSP Colin Smyth supporting teachersMSP Colin Smyth supporting teachers (Image: MSP Colin Smyth)

A spokesperson for the Scottish Government said previously: “The Scottish Government continues to urge teaching unions to reconsider their plans for industrial action while talks are ongoing.

“Strikes in our schools are in no one’s interest – including for pupils, parents and carers who have already had to deal with significant disruption over the past three years.

"We value our teaching workforce and recognise the vital importance of an agreement on pay, but we cannot escape the unprecedented pressures facing Scotland's budget.

“While we have been clear that a 10 per cent pay increase is unaffordable within the Scottish Government’s fixed budget, we remain absolutely committed to a fair and sustainable pay deal.”