It is too early to assess the impact the industrial action by teachers is having on students’ learning.

Education Minister Dr Alex Allinson (pictured) was asked what assessment has been made of the impact of the industrial action by former teacher Jason Moorhouse (Arbory, Castletown and Malew).

Dr Allinson said the department had obtained feedback from all schools and UCM and that the impact of the step up in action by NAUSWT members, which remains short of striking, varies between establishment.

He added: ’Currently the action short of strike is mainly impacting the learning of students when cover is not being provided for absent colleagues and potentially classes would need to be amalgamated or covered through supply.

’There is a significant impact on the running of some schools where senior leaders are having to do lunch and break cover and bus duties which would normally be done by teachers who are taking part in the action.

’School parent evenings have had to be cancelled and the extra-curricular clubs both in lunchtimes and after school have also all been cancelled.’

Dr Allinson also suggested the situation could lead to ’tension’ between staff who belong to different unions.

For a story about Dr Allison’s apology to staff and pupils, see this week’s Manx Independent.