THE Government is facing a back-lash from angry North-East teachers who say they are fed up with the pressure of covering for chronic staff shortages.

Teachers in Middlesbrough are expected to come out in favour of taking action.

The National Union of Teachers and National Association of Schoolmasters and Union of Women Teachers are balloting members in Middlesbrough on whether to take action.

If the teachers agree, they will be asked to vote on a work-to-rule under which they will not have to cover for absent colleagues.

Staff at Ashington Central First School, in Northumberland, have already voted for action.

Teachers are expected to refuse to cover for absences after the half-term.