Twenty-one Wirral school workers have announced that they will take strike action on Thursday 3 December over Woodchurch Primary School’s proposal to cut their hours and pay by up to 20%.

The school support staff- who stand to lose out as much as £3,885 in pay every year- voted 100% in favour of the strike.

The teaching assistants and play workers- who had previously received the backing of local MP Mick Whitley- are supported by parents of schoolchildren and the local community.

The school staff held an online meeting which has now been watched by almost 2000 people. The school staff’s trade union UNISON says that the meeting showed the “overwhelming support” for the Woodchurch workers and the opposition to the proposed cuts.

Speaking at the meeting, parent Amina Hussein said: “I have two children who attend the school. The staff are fabulous but they cannot provide the same support in less time.

“I say to Wirral Council: stop these cuts and give my children the support that they deserve.”

Following the meeting, Wirral UNISON have launched a petition to oppose the cuts which can be accessed here.

Wirral UNISON branch secretary David Jones said: “A 100% vote in favour of strike action shows the strength of feeling amongst our members.

“The fantastic turnout for our meeting shows that the parents and the community are outraged about these pay cuts and the potential impact upon their children’s education.

“We urge the Council to enter into meaningful dialogue with us to stop these cuts.”