SCHOOLS in Redbridge could close next Thursday following the National Union of Teachers' overwhelming ballot to strike.

Eighty-six per cent of teachers London-wide voted to strike in protest at the Government's failure to improve cost-of-living allowances paid to teachers working in London and the surrounding areas.

The NUT believes that the high cost of living in London is making it impossible for teachers to work in the capital. Teachers in the outer borough of Redbridge get £1,974 in comparison to the London wide allowance of £6000 given to the police. The outer borough allowance is set to increase from April 1 by just 3.5 per cent to £2,043.

The National Union of Teachers believes the short fall in teachers salaries and the rising house prices will do nothing to encourage more teachers to work in London.

These staffing deficiencies are causing severe disruption to children's education in the region.

NUT London East regional officer Paddy Marshall said: "The action on Thursday is a demonstration to the secretary of state to highlight the consequence of the teacher's shortfall in London caused by inadequate salaries."

The NUT London East office said that decisions to completely close was "down to the individual schools".

Redbridge's Director of Education Edwina Grant confirmed that it is the responsibility of each school and the head teacher to inform parents of any closure.

She said: "We will be informed on a school by school basis, it is too early to speculate on the full picture. We will be monitoring the situation closely in Redbridge."

Meanwhile, teachers across Redbridge are still unsure as to how many of their staff will be striking and whether their school will be closed.

Wanstead High School headteacher George Ferris, confirmed that most of his school will be closed next Thursday, but said: "We will not be closing completely, the sixth form will still be open.

"I think the issues for the strike are a worthwhile cause. Teachers should be paid more for living in London. I think the NUT should have looked at alternative means before strike action."

Trinity High School headteacher Paul Doherty is adamant that his school would stay open. He said: " I am awaiting notice from NUT members at the school to let we know what they are doing. As a head teacher you want to do the best for the children. If necessary we will have the children in the main hall with senior staff."

He added: "I understand the teachers' frustration but I'm not sure of their tactics. I feel a fair conciliation could have been reached without strike action."