MORE schools have announced closures during teacher strikes on Thursday.

As reported in the Echo, teachers, council staff, and civil servants in Dorset will be among more than a million nationally joining the strike, which is being supported by a range of unions in protest against attacks on pay, pensions and workloads.

Thomas Hardye School in Dorchester will be closed for Year 9 and 10 pupils but open to sixth formers. Dorchester Middle School and Damers First School, both in Dorchester, have also announced closures.

Bridport Primary School and Southill Primary School in Weymouth have previously confirmed they would be shut as a result of the strikes.

It is the third time members of the National Union of Teachers in Dorset have gone on strike.

Divisional secretary Geoff Cooke said the strikes reflect teacher’s anger over the refusal of the Secretary of State Michael Gove to have proper discussions about his ‘divisive reforms’.

Members of the Fire Brigades Union in Dorset are supporting the national action as part of a long-running dispute over pensions. Dorset Fire and Rescue Service will be providing a reduced emergency response.

Members of unions locally, including GMB, National Union of Teachers (NUT), Public and Commercial Services (PCS), UNISON and Unite will join the strike which will see rallies organised and picket lines drawn up.

For a list of school closures visit dorsetecho.co.uk