Strike disruption at city schools

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Two comprehensive schools in Swansea are being hit by teacher strikes over a new system for responsibility payments.

On Tuesday Penyrheol in Gorseinon will only open to Year 11 pupils sitting exams with a similar situation at Cefn Hengoed Comprehensive on Wednesday.

The walkouts follow the regrading of some staff which unions have said amounted to a pay cut in certain cases.

Swansea's education authority said both schools carried out the review fairly and within national guidelines.

New teacher payments - or TLRs - are worth up to £11,000 a year and replace the old system of management allowances, which the government said were outdated and open to abuse.

But teaching unions said the new payments meant some staff would be expected to do the same amount or more work for lower pay.

The school has been in regular contact with the Local Education Authority, who are satisfied that a proper process has been carried out Wayne Newton, head teacher

NUT Cymru members at both schools voted for one day action.

There has been similar industrial action at other schools including Pontllanfraith Comprehensive in Caerphilly and Gowerton Comprehensive in Swansea.

Wayne Newton, head teacher at Cefn Hengoed Comprehensive, said the governing body was "deeply" saddened by the move and said teachers had been regularly consulted over the changes.

"The school has been in regular contact with the local education authority, who are satisfied that a proper process has been carried out," he said.

"Indeed, a large number of staff have received a salaray increase.

"However, regrettably, a few teachers have been regraded as a consequence of review - nevertheless their salaries are protected until January 2009."