Scotland schools strike: Thousands of pupils at home as strikes begin

A three-day strike by school support staff has begun in Scotland, meaning hundreds of schools will be closed as the strikes will affect 24 of the country’s 32 councils. 

Thousands of students have been told to stay at home as members of the union UNISON walk out in their row over pay. 

Last-minute talks, and a renewed offer, failed to halt industrial action from the union. 

Unite and GMB unions have suspended strike plans while members are consulted. 

The impact of the walkout will vary across the 24 areas where Unison is striking – with all primary and secondary schools in Edinburgh closed while in Glasgow 29 secondaries will remain open to S4, 5 and 6 students.

The ongoing dispute is over pay for non-teaching staff including janitors, canteen workers, classroom assistants, cleaners, admin staff and nursery staff.