HUNDREDS of children across Ryedale enjoyed an extra day off school last Thursday as schools were shut and classes disputed.

Members of the National Union of Teachers, University and College Union and Association of Teachers and Lecturers walked out over changes to their pensions, which, they say, will leave them working longer, paying more and getting less when they retire.

Protesters, including many from Ryedale, joined a rally in York to hear speeches from union representatives.

Malton teacher Gemma Houseman said: “We are here to protest about our pensions and having to pay more and get a reduction at the end of it, while working longer.

“We aren’t happy that children are missing out on a day of education, but the Government wouldn’t change its mind so this is the only way.”

Ben Drake, branch chairman of York City Union, who addressed the crowd, said: “The media make a lot out of gold-plated public sector pensions.

“The average local government pension is £4,500 a year; you are not going to get much gold-plating for that.”

Karen Evans, from the National Executive Committee of the University and College Union, said: “I think people are on the picket lines today because they fear for the future. The banks get bailed out but we get sold out.”

But Susie Cawood, head of York and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, said some of her members had suffered as a result of the action.

She said: “People have had to take unpaid leave to look after children, so it has caused disruption – unnecessary disruption.

“We are about to start the busy summer holiday season and businesses need to get heads down and prepare.”