TEACHERS on the picket line at Corringham's troubled Gable Hall school look likely to return to teaching duties tomorrow (Thursday, 19 December).

Their union, NASUWT, has announced it is to de-escalate its current industrial action campaign at Gable Hall from tomorrow in order 'to provide the employer with the opportunity to meet with us and negotiate a resolution to the current dispute over workload and working practices'.

The union adds: "If the employer does not take the opportunity to do so, further industrial action is likely in January."

A statement says: "NASUWT is withdrawing the current action short of strike action from 23:59 hrs on Wednesday, 18December to allow members to return to school from Thursday, 19 December to teach their pupils and to allow educational trips and visits to take place unaffected by the employer's actions.

"This decision has been taken in view of the serious and ongoing negative impact on pupils who have been affected by the employers' decision to impose a lock out on our members, as well as the additional financial costs that have been borne by parents who have already paid for end of term educational trips and visits. 

"NASUWT members at the school have been locked out and prevented from teaching pupils since Wednesday, 11 December after they voted to take industrial action over workload and working practices.

"Members voted to take action short of strike action which involves withdrawing from a range of non-contractual duties, while continuing to teach and prepare for lessons as normal."

"The decision of the employer to lock out our members is damaging pupils' education. For the good of the whole school community we appeal to the employer to stop its actions against staff and engage seriously with us to resolve the dispute.

"If the employer rejects this opportunity, this may result in further industrial action in the New Year."