Parents have little sympathy for strikers

The TES writes about a poll of 750 parents about the NUT strike. Nearly a third said the action had lowered their view of teachers. However, most parents who responded said their opinion remained unchanged.

The online TES/ NCPTA survey showed that 63% of parents believed the Government's 2.45% pay offer was sufficient, or more than teachers deserved.

Christine Blower, the acting general secretary, said she believed teachers still enjoyed the goodwill of parents. "I can't deny there are some parents who are opposed to strike action. But we haven't felt great waves of opprobrium coming in our direction. We haven't done this for 21 years. The post-strike period will tell us whether we can continue the public-sector campaign, which primarily for us is about teachers' pay."