TEACHERS walked out for the first of six planned strikes yesterday after being offered a pay rise that “wouldn’t even buy them two cups of coffee.”

Members of teaching union NASUWT at Challney High School for Girls in Luton said management had failed to offer the 2 per cent rise that has been standard in the east of England.

NASUWT executive member Colin Surrey said: “For a teacher in their second year of teaching, this amounts to an increase of £4.65 a week before deductions. Not enough to buy two cups of coffee at a well-known establishment.

“The NASUWT has made every effort to secure an agreed way forward and avoid strike action, but there has been no serious attempt by the employer to address the concerns of teachers.”

Mr Surrey said the “dedicated and committed teachers” at the school felt there was no other option but to strike.