A STRIKE by teachers will be well supported because of the level of discontent, the National Union of Teachers (NUT) has said.

The union said the action on July 5 would mean the majority of schools in the North will be affected, either by being forced to close completely, close partially or having to run a reduced timetable.

A ballot by the NUT, which last had a national day of action in 2014, saw 91.7 per cent of members vote for a strike, although turnout was just 24.5 per cent.

The NUT has complained about teachers’ workloads and the funding situation in schools, while pay also remains an issue.

Mike McDonald, NUT regional secretary, said: “Schools need funding to a level where every child is guaranteed an education they deserve and are taught by qualified teachers that schools can afford to employ.

“Academies should also have regard to national terms and conditions for teachers.”