More than 500,000 workers have walked out today, Wednesday (February 1) in the biggest strike day to hit Britain in a generation.

Walkouts by teacher members of the National Education Union (NEU) in England and Wales are taking place: the first of seven days of strikes this month and in March.

The strikes follow failed talks on Monday between Education Secretary Gillian Keegan and the general secretaries of unions representing teachers and headteachers.

The Wednesday walkout includes many teachers in Hitchin. In a letter sent by Hitchin Boys' School to parents, seen by Nub News, head teacher Fergal Moane, explains why many of his staff from his school - rated outstanding by Ofsted - have walked out.

"The dispute is with the Secretary of State for Education rather than with the school itself," explains HBS head Mr Moane, who received plaudits for his rigorous transparency during the Covid pandemic, adding: "and is in pursuit of a pay settlement that is more in line with inflation and where schools receive increased funding from central government to be able to afford this.

"The union's complaint is backed up by independent analysis by the Institute for Fiscal Studies where there has been a long period of reductions in teacher salaries since 2010, when inflation is factored in.

"I can also confirm that recruitment and retention of staff has become significantly more challenging, particularly in comparison with pay and conditions for graduate jobs in the private sector."

Those walking out say that striking has been the only way to get attention from the Department for Education. Many teachers are disaffected thanks to Keegan and her department consistently ignoring reports highlighting the problems in the education sector.

Teachers insist that recruitment targets aren't being met, that teachers are leaving — but that their pay has fallen significantly in real terms over the last decade.

In a letter sent to parents and seen by Nub News, Hitchin secondary school The Priory on Bedford Road, confirmed it has provision to teach Year 7, Year 11, Year 12 and Year 13 - with other years working from home including Year 8, Year 9, Year 10.

Education, transport and Civil Service strikes tomorrow are followed up by nurses and paramedics walking out on Monday, and many further strike days are planned.