TEACHERS at Rainhill High are set to go on strike for two days this week with a union citing "unacceptable management practices" at the school.

Members of the NASUWT union are to take strike action on Tuesday and and Thursday this week (March 28 and 30).

NASUWT representatives said the strike action was due to "unacceptable management practices by the employer toward teachers taking part in an ongoing national dispute over excessive workload".

They added that management had "failed to attend meetings" to discuss the "intimidation being experienced by staff taking part in action short of strike action at the school".

Chris Keates, general secretary of the NASUWT, said: “The NASUWT has made every effort to secure an agreed way forward and avoid strike action, but the employer has been unwilling to engage with the union to address the concerns of teachers over these issues.

“The teachers at Rainhill School are all dedicated and committed members who have the best interests of their students at heart.

“We deeply regret any disruption caused to pupils and parents and hope that the employer will work with the NASUWT to fully address our members’ concerns so that further strike action can be avoided.”

Bevanie Robinson, NASUWT's national executive member for Merseyside and Cheshire, added: “The NASUWT remains committed to seeking to resolve the issues under dispute, but will always act to support members who are being subjected to unacceptable practices and intimidation by management.

“We sincerely hope that further strike action can be avoided and would implore the employer to agree to meet with us to discuss our members concerns.”

In a statement, Rainhill High say the school will remain open for all pupils during the week.

A spokesman said: "Despite any strike action, Rainhill High School will remain open for all students.

"The NASUWT have threatened 14 days of strike action between March 28 and the end of May 2017. This is under their national dispute with the government.

"The school will remain open as the NASUWT only represent a small minority of the teachers at Rainhill High School.

"The school is keen to resolve this and has referred this matter to ACAS and the Trustees are happy to meet with NASUWT and ACAS to resolve these issues.

"In January, NASUWT were asked to provide evidence to substantiate their allegations of intimidation. These will be handled anonymously through a third party. To date they have yet to come forward with any evidence."