USE:  IMMEDIATE    ISSUE DATE:  FRIDAY 18 MARCH 2005

The Highland Council is advising the public that there may be a disruption to some services it provides on Wednesday 23 March as the result of industrial action being taken by members of UNISON, AMICUS and UCATT in protest at Government proposals to change pension rights. The action will cover the period from 8 am - 6 pm on Wednesday only.

Teaching unions, GMB and TGWU are not taking strike action.

The Council is currently assessing the likely effect of strike action and will have a clearer picture on Monday when the Council will widely publicise any school and office/library/leisure centre closures and/or disruption to service, such as refuse collection or the use of civic amenity sites.

Head teachers will advise parents on Monday of possible disruption or closures, basing their decisions on health and safety considerations. Head teachers will also use the emergency closure phone line to keep parents appraised of local situations.

Due to the strike action, the Council has postponed its meeting of the Planning Development Europe and Tourism Committee, due to be held at Council Headquarters, Inverness, at 10.30 am on Wednesday.   The meeting has been rearranged for Wednesday 6 April, commencing at 10.30 am.

-ENDS-