After a great morning and early afternoon where I achieved loads, I now have slowed down a lot and am struggling to keep my concentration. Still I only have a hour left here before I can head home.

We have some weird weather here, one minute its sunny next we have heavy rain. We have even had some thunder and hail storms. Thankfully it a good forecast for the weekend, perhaps we might get out and do some serious photography.

The first teachers strike is on for today, the NUT have voted to go strike in a dispute over pay. Unions say that 2.5% offered is below the rate of inflation and are demanding a 4.1% rise. It the first time in over two decades that teachers have gone on strike. It is estimated that across the country over 8000 schools will close.

Some parents have complained at the lack of notice and some are struggling to find child care, while others have had to take a days holiday to be at home and look after their children.

Caz (my step daughter) is lucky in that she is a sixth former and will taking her exams in the next few months so her teachers will be at school. It can therefore be said that while it is unfortunate that they have decided to strike they are still thinking about the children’s education. Children who have exams coming up will not miss out on vital school time because the teachers will not harm their education.

I don’t believe in unions and have never been a member of any union, but while I was a serving a solider I did a number of jobs because of strikes, fire, ambulance and rubbish collection. So I know how disruptive strikes can be for all involved, dialogue is the only solution to disputes. By the way I only received a 2% pay rise this year and I work in the private sector.