Teachers at a number of schools across Mid Wales were on strike today over plans to change their pensions.

Teaching union UCAC, which represents about 3,500 staff, was staging the one-day strike after 89 per cent of those who took part in a poll voted for action. It is unclear how many schools were likely to be affected but Powys County Council said it had been told that at least 10 schools had been affected.

However, John Evans, communications manager for the county council, said schools did not have an obligation to keep it informed.

Schools affected included Caereinion High School, Welshpool High School, Llanfair Caereinion Primary School, Ysgol Pontrobert, Llanfyllin High School, Llanfair Caereinion Primary School, Machynlleth Primary School, Ysgol Rhiw Bechan in Tregynnon, Ysgol Pennant, and Llanrhaeadr YM Mochnant Primary.

Elaine Edwards, UCAC’s general secretary, said the strike was in protest at Government plans to cut pensions. She said UCAC members in 617 schools were balloted with 89 per cent of those taking part in the vote backing action.

She said: “The fact that members have voted overwhelmingly in favour of a strike shows that they are united in their opinion that the Westminster Government’s attack on public sector pensions is entirely uncalled-for and unfair.”

Rebecca Williams, a spokeswoman for UCAC, said the union had 150 members in Powys and claimed the strike action would affect up to 40 schools in the region.

She said: “We haven’t been out on strike for nearly a quarter of a century and this is something we don’t do very lightly.”

David Evans, NUT Wales secretary, said: “The NUT fully supports the strike being held by UCAC members across Wales. This follows on from the strike staged by the NUT in June.

“The way the Westminster Government has targeted teachers’ pensions is disgraceful. Even though the teachers’ pension scheme is affordable and sustainable the coalition Government is insisting that teachers sacrifice more of their pay, work longer and receive less.”

By Anwen Evans