READERS have expressed solidarity with dozens of teachers who are members of the National Education Union in a dispute over pay and working conditions.

Striking teachers in Barrow say they are working 60-hour weeks that have eroded their work-life balance - as they join calls for the Government to increase school budgets.

Gathering outside Barrow Town Hall, striking union members expressed their frustration at the issues facing schools.

Teachers who are members of the union are walking out nationally in the first of seven strikes planned across England and Wales.

They are demanding a better pay rise than the 5 per cent offered by the Department for Education and want something above the rate of inflation.

Brooke Duxbury said: "Teachers have my support. Seems that not many people really understand what the strikes about."

Ebbie Phillips said: "Support all the way. Not just teachers but all who strike for fairer pay and work conditions."

Charlie Dowthwaite said: "I fully support these teachers for going on strike for a decent standard of living, 100% solidarity from me."

Kay Montgomery said: "Solidarity with all striking workers - this government are taking the country for a ride..if they are not stopped, the UK is heading for a terminal decline