The government is facing its first industrial strike against its public sector cuts today as up to 750,000 public sector workers strike over planned changes to their pensions.
According to data made available by the Guardian, 110 schools overseen by Lancashire education authority are set to close, from a total of 698 (15.8%). Schools that fall under Blackpool education authority are worse hit, with 75.6% of its 45 schools due to be affected.
One third of all schools are expected to close and two thirds of universities have cancelled lectures, including UCLan.
Michael Palmer, Student Union President, said: “The Students’ Union recognises UCU and its members have voted to take strike action surrounding a number of issues that include pay and pensions, in what is a very difficult time for those in Higher Education as we face unprecedented cuts and an increase in fees.
“The cuts announced by the Coalition Government are already having an effect on UCLan which has implemented cost cutting exercises across many services students rely upon”.
Students are advised to contact their course leaders for information about the impact that it will have on specific courses.
David Cameron told the House of Commons today that he didn’t see “any case for industrial action tomorrow” as the talks are continuing and only a minority of unions were going on strike. He said that the pensions reform is “fair”.
Cameron then went on the attack, accusing the Labour party of being “paid for by the unions (so) they can’t discuss the unions”. None of the striking unions are affiliated with Labour.
Below you can view the amount of schools across Lancashire due to be closed on a map.
View School closures in a larger map