Perth and Kinross school strikes enter second week

BBC Scotland News has also spoken to some council leaders who said the offer could not be reopened unless the government helps.

The strike has caused practical problems for some parents in Perth and Kinross who have had to arrange childcare or take time off work.

Many of the closed schools are providing distance learning so children can do some work at home

The council has also said that payments would be made to families who have missed out on free school meals because of the strike.

Unison is planning a national ballot of council staff to see whether they would go on strike too but has yet to confirm details.

Any ballot would be likely to run for several weeks. If the union secured a mandate for action in more council areas, it would need to give two weeks’ notice of a strike.

In the coming weeks councils should hear how much money the Scottish government plans to give them for next year and learn how much they may be able to raise the council tax by.

Unison insists it still wants to see an improvement in pay during this financial year.

But it is possible that the emphasis may move to securing a bigger “restorative” pay rise from next April.

Parents can find full details of school closures on Perth and Kinross Council’s website., external