THOUSANDS of parents will have to make emergency childcare arrangements next week as a council workers’ strike hits Huddersfield.

Dozens of schools have already confirmed that they will close on Wednesday and Thursday and many more are expected to follow suit.

There will also be major problems for thousands of householders who will not have their rubbish bins emptied.

They will remain uncollected for at least another two weeks.

Libraries, museums and council offices are also likely to close as thousands of Unison union members employed by Kirklees take 48-hour strike action over pay.

The workers have been offered a 2.45% rise, but say it is well below inflation.

Unison branch secretary Paul Holmes said: “We regret the action, but we have to do something.

“Our members voted heavily in favour of action and I expect the strike will be rock- solid.

“I appreciate that parents will be hit when the schools are closed, but you have to remember that many of our members are parents, too. The schools have had plenty of notice of the strike and should have made arrangements.”

Talks are continuing behind the scenes over issues such as the bin collections planned for Wednesday and Thursday and for care workers.

Some emergency cover is likely to be brought in for people who need care in their homes, but there are unlikely to be catch-up collections for the bins.

That will mean that some grey bins will have a month’s waste in them before they are emptied.

A council spokesman said: “We are working with the schools and hope to have definitive list of what will be happening by early next week.

“But parents are advised to check directly with the schools about whether or not they will be open. The action includes caretakers, cleaners and catering staff as well as teaching assistants.”

Schools to close completely

Almondbury CE (VC) I & N School

Batley Parish CE (A) J I & N School

Birkby I & N School

Bradley CE (VC) I & N School

Brownhill Infant School

Bywell CE (C) Junior School

Chickenley Community J I & N School

Clough Head J & I School

Dalton School

Denby Dale Nursery School

Earlsheaton Infant School

Gilthwaites First School

Gomersal St Mary's CE (A) F & N School

Honley CE (VC) Junior School

Kirkheaton Primary School

Lindley CE (VA) Infant School

Lindley Junior School

Longley School

Lowerhouses CE (VC) J I & E Y School

Lydgate School

Marsden Junior School

Meltham Moor Primary School

Mill Lane J I & E Y School

Nortonthorpe Hall School

Spring Grove J I & N School

Thornhill J & I School

Wellhouse J & I School

OTHER SCHOOLS AFFECTED

Beech Early Years I & J School: Partially closed. Beeches Out of School Club will not be open during the action due to staffing levels

Knowles Hill I & N School: Partially closed. Nursery school closed.

Upperthong J & I School: Partially closed. Open for Y5 & Y6 Only; pupils will have to go home

for lunch.

Thornhill Lees CE (C) I & N School: Partially closed. Nursery closed. Children to bring in packed lunches.

Heaton Avenue F & N School: Partially closed. Morning of the 16th nursery closed. Whole school closed on 17th

Littletown J I & N School: Partially closed. Closed to P/T pupils. Reception class only open in the morning.

There will be an updated list in Monday’s Examiner