PRESS ASSOCIATION -- Thousands of teachers and lecturers are to hold a demonstration at Parliament next month in a fresh protest at the Government's controversial pension changes.
Up to 25,000 people are expected to take part in the lobby against what they say are "ruthless" pensions cuts in the education sector.
Seven teaching unions have joined forces for the Decent Pensions: Securing the Future for All campaign, with the protest taking place on Wednesday October 26.
Organisers said the protest is being held during half term to avoid causing disruption for parents and interrupting children's schooling, but unions have warned that further action could take place if the dispute is not resolved.
In a statement, the unions said: "The fact that thousands of teachers and lecturers from around the country are giving up a day of their half-term holiday to come to London to lobby MPs shows just how high feelings are running. The profession is absolutely united in condemning the scandalous way pensions are being ransacked to pay off the national debt.
"The public has a right to know that cuts could ultimately affect the quality of education for young people as high calibre graduates re-think their career choice. We will also be challenging the myths about how public sector pensions impact on taxpayers.
"Teachers and lecturers never take strike action lightly and for this reason the lobby has been organised during half term, to ensure there is no disruption to pupils or parents. However if the Government continues to erode pensions, which they know are both affordable and sustainable, teachers will be left with no option but to take further action, including strike action.
"We urge the Government to listen to the message that this lobby sends. Teachers cannot stand by and see their pensions eroded for purely political reasons. It is entirely possible to avoid further disruption but for that to happen the Government needs to negotiate fairly."
Petitions are being sent to schools, colleges and the newer universities this week, which will be collected and presented to MPs during the protest. The new action comes just months after four unions, including three teaching unions, the Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL), the National Union of Teachers (NUT) and the University and College Union (UCU) staged a one-day walk out in protest at pensions changes.
Ministers and union leaders due to meet later this week, in the latest in a series of long-running talks aimed at resolving the bitter row. The seven unions involved are: ATL, NUT, UCU, the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT), UCAC a Welsh teaching union, and the NASUWT.