DOZENS of teachers walked out on Wednesday because of an ongoing argument with the Government over workload, pensions and pay.

A handful of schools in the district closed, or partially closed as a result of the strike action organised by the National Union of Teacher’s over plans for performance-related pay, extending the working age to 68 and an ongoing pensions struggle.

Teacher’s faced some criticism over the strike as parents were forced to find alternative child care for the day.

Commenting on Wednesday’s strike action, Andy Woolley, South West regional secretary of the NUT, said: “The strike was a clear demonstration that teachers are thoroughly tired of the intolerable pressures they are being put under by the Coalition Government.

“Despite being the only teachers’ union to be taking action members still felt it was essential they made a stand.

“Teachers are voting with their feet and leaving the profession in droves and there is the real danger of a teacher shortage crisis yet the Government continues to bury its head in the sand.

“Those in the profession love teaching but are crushed by the long hours and stifling accountability regime.”

Talks between the unions and Government are expected to resume however the NUT has promised further strike action this summer if nothing is resolved.