Teachers are set to take part in strike action next week.

National Union of Teachers (NUT) members in Epping Forest and Harlow will walk out on March 26, with some school closures expected.

The strike is part of the campaign against the introduction of performance related pay, changes to pensions and claims of excessive workloads.

Harlow and Epping Forest NUT Secretary, Murray Sackwild, said, "Teacher workload is currently unsustainable and the thought of doing the job until 68 is driving many away from the job.

“Teacher morale is at dangerously low levels. Children need confident teachers who are fresh and well motivated not tired and demoralised.

“We do apologise for the inconvenience to parents but we hope they will support us in our efforts to ensure high quality education and well motivated teachers for the schools and academies in the Harlow and Epping Forest area."

Secretary of State Michael Gove has criticised the union for obstructing education reforms which will improve teaching and claims the NUT is ideologically motivated.

More than 1000 teachers in the region are set to the strike, but it is not known which schools will close for the day.