NORTH-EAST teachers have voted for protest action by an overwhelming majority.

In a ballot organised by the National Association of Schoolmasters and Union of Women Teachers (NASUWT), more than 95 per cent of votes by Middlesbrough teachers were in favour of action.

The decision to "cover to contract" means they will not cover for absent colleagues for more than three days in unforseen cases.

Where the absence is known about for more than three days in advance, they will not cover at all, nor will they carry out work connected with such absences or vacancies.

The move follows similar action by teachers in about 50 other authorities. None has been taken in the North-East or North Yorkshire before now.

It was sparked by a crisis at Middlesbrough's Brackenhoe School last month, when 110 year eight pupils were sent home due to chronic staff shortages.

Headteacher Martyn Berry described the situation, where up to 39 staff were off sick at once, over a three week period, as "extraordinary".

Last night, Hans Ruyssenaars, NASUWT's national executive member for Cleveland, said: "This action is not intended to disrupt schools or harm pupils' education. Quite the contrary, protecting teachers from burn-out will ensure that more of them stay fit enough to teach.

"It ensures that teachers work to the terms of their contract, and not wildly in excess of these terms, as has been the case for too long."

Mr Ruyssenaars said the union would continue to work with the authority on staff recruitment and retention.