TEACHERS from the North-East are heading to Parliament onJune 10 to lobby local MPs about proposed changes to the education system.

They will be joining other members of the National Union of Teachers (NUT) from across the UK at the lobby to raise their concerns about the 'damage' being done to the education and teaching profession.

Teachers who cannot make it to London will be sending postcards to their MPs outlining why they are 'Standing Up For Education'.

The lobby follows a series of strikes across the UK earlier this year in a continued battle with the Government over pay, pension and conditions.

The NUT action is part of an ongoing campaign to protect pay and pensions which will see teachers working until the age of 68 and beyond.

The NUT say plans to increase pension contributions and reduce the pension package and introduce performance related pay will have a damaging effect on education.

Recent figures published by the government show that teachers in primary schools are working 60 hours a week.

The NUT believes that this is too much and is one of the reasons why so many young teachers are leaving the profession.

NUT regional secretary, Mike McDonald, said: "Teacher morale is at an all-time low with many working in excess of 60 hours a week for uncertain pay and worsening pensions and working conditions.

"It is hardly surprising that 40 per cent leave the profession within the first five years, while many other good, experienced teachers are also leaving. This is unsustainable.

"Education policy such as curriculum changes and examination reform are being decided by Government and their officials with little input from teachers or education experts.”