The two biggest teachers' unions say plans are in place for a national strike in England before Christmas in a row over pay, pensions and workloads.

Members of the NUT and NASUWT will walk out on a yet-to-be announced date if Education Secretary Michael Gove refuses to meet them, the unions say.

A rolling programme of regional strikes will continue on 1 October in the east of England, the Midlands and Yorkshire.

Teachers in London and the North East will strike on 17 October.

The government has said the walkouts are disruptive to pupils' education.

Mr Gove wrote to both unions in March to say he was willing to meet them but the "direction of travel" on their key issues was "fixed".

[url][http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-23970281]

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