Schools in Havering will be closed on Wednesday when teachers take strike action.

The national walk out is expected to affect all schools in the borough in some way, though not all will be closed completely, depending on how many union members join the picket lines.

It comes as part of a campaign by the National Union of Teachers (NUT) to protect pay and pensions and manage their “unsustainable” workload.

Havering NUT secretary, Ray Waxler, said: “The thought of doing the job until 68 is driving many away.

“Morale is at dangerously low levels and children need teachers who are fresh and well motivated, not tired and demoralised.

“Polls show that Michael Gove is out of touch with teachers and parents – this strike is his fault.”

Members believe government changes including teachers working to 68, increasing pension contributions by 50 per cent, reducing the pension package and introducing performance related pay will have a damaging effect.

Figures show teachers in primary schools are working 60 hours a week and the NUT believes this is one of the reasons so many young teachers are leaving the profession.

A new NUT campaign, Stand Up for Education, focuses on issues including all classrooms having a qualified teacher and new teachers being encouraged into the profession.

To find out if your school is affected go to havering.gov.uk from Tuesday.