DOZENS of schools could close in north Essex as teachers look to stage a one-day walkout.

Members of the National Union of Teachers (NUT) are being balloted about taking part in national strike action.

If there is a 'yes' vote, teachers could be taking strike action before the end of the summer term in July.

Jean Quinn, public relations officer for Colchester and North East Essex NUT, warned primary schools in particular could face closures as a result.

She was not prepared to quote figures until the strength of feeling among union members is more clearly known.

Mrs Quinn also warned the strike action will definitely be for one day but could be more, depending on the result.

The ballot closes of June 22, with results made public a couple of days later, Mrs Quinn said.

The NUT insists the government will press ahead with plans to make all schools academies by 2022 despite it recently saying it had changed its mind on the proposal.

It is voting on whether to take strike action because it says these changes would alter the conditions of employment, such as pay, sickness benefits and number of days worked per year.

David Evans, Colchester and North East Essex NUT secretary, said: “Despite her recent so-called U-turn, education secretary Nicky Morgan still intends for all schools to be academies by 2022 and she has made it very clear that she wants existing and new academies to move away from national pay scales, terms and conditions.

“Her funding cuts make this all the more threatening in both academies and maintained schools.

“Funding cuts to schools will inevitably mean increased workload, larger class sizes, a lack of pay progression, further narrowing of the curriculum and even more pressure on schools to become exam factories.

"Enough is enough. We need to make a stand for our profession as well as the children that we teach.

“This will not be a strike against academies. It will be a strike for a properly funded state education system, staffed by qualified teachers who are rewarded for their hard work and commitment.”

The Department for Education was asked unavailable to comment on the issue.