COUNCIL officials and Jarvis are in talks with unions today in a bid to avert seven days of strikes planned by Kirklees caretakers.

Talks began yesterday between Jarvis, the council, Unison and the GMB union to resolve a dispute over pay.

Meanwhile, an official ballot of 36 caretakers and six maintenance staff employed by Jarvis at 19 Kirklees schools ended yesterday afternoon, resulting in a vote to strike over Jarvis's refusal to give them pay parity with caretakers employed by Kirklees Council.

The 40 employees plan to strike on May 16, 17, 19, 20, 23, 24 and 25.

Some of these dates are expected to clash with GCSE exams at high schools.

Under Jarvis's contract with Kirklees Schools Services Ltd, it is obliged to provide full services to schools in the event of industrial action.

If this is not done, Kirklees Council can fine Jarvis - costing the company thousands of pounds.

In a bid to solve the pay dispute, Kirklees Council has offered £78,000 to fund the pay increase.

But Jarvis has not taken up the offer and union officials believe it is not enough to fund the pay increases.

Mike Forster, chief education steward for Kirklees Unison, said caretakers did not want to strike but had been forced to take action.

He said: "We are seeking to avoid disruption to examinations but there will be some.

"Some schools will close or there will be health and safety implications in the absence of a caretaker.

"We don't see any other alternative but to see this through as Jarvis has not significantly moved forward in the discussions."

A caretaker, who did not wish to be named, said they were in an impossible position.

He said: "My son goes to one of these schools. I have to strike knowing that it could be disrupting his GCSEs. That's the position Jarvis have put us into."

A Jarvis spokesman said the company was trying to resolve the issues.

He said: "We are happy to negotiate a productivity deal with the unions."

A Kirklees Council spokeswoman said the authority was hopeful that the talks would avert a strike.

She said: "The council is working to try and facilitate an agreement. It's positive that they are meeting."

Schools subject to the Jarvis contract are:

Rawthorpe High, Rawthorpe Junior, Rawthorpe Infant and Nursery, Colne Valley High at Linthwaite, Honley High, Earlsheaton High in Dewsbury, West End Middle at Cleckheaton, Almondbury Junior, Almondbury High, Salendine Nook High, Moor End Technology College at Crosland Moor, Dryclough Infants at Crosland Moor, Carlinghow Princess Royal Junior and Infant in Batley, Crosland Moor Junior, Fartown High, Greenside Infant and Nursery at Almondbury, Holmfirth High, Royds Hall High in Paddock and Thornhill High at Dewsbury.