People in teaching jobs in a London free school having been striking this week over union recognition and staff contracts.

There has been disruption to lessons at the Stem Academy, a sixth form college in Islington, and further industrial action is planned next week if no resolution can be reached between the institution and the National Union of Teachers (NUT), reports the BBC.

Principal of the academy John O'Shea insists all of the outstanding issues relating to teacher contracts have now been addressed.

He said: "I am deeply shocked that the NUT renewed its strike action, given that it has been made perfectly clear that the school's Governing Body is willing to recognise the union and to enter into meaningful negotiations.

"I met with the NUT on Monday (February 3rd) evening and again on Tuesday morning. On both occasions I underlined our commitment to union recognition and to entering into a voluntary agreement."

However, NUT representatives dispute this, saying the Monday meeting was cancelled by the school at short notice and the union was told to come back for further discussions next Thursday.

Currently, a three-day strike is scheduled to start next Tuesday, but the NUT maintains that it is willing to meet before then, sit round a table and resolve the issues.

Mr O'Shea added the union's industrial action was unexpected and is detrimental to students.

A note on the Stem Academy website informed youngsters about the strikes, although the free school encouraged students to "independently study".

Last year saw widespread strikes in London with thousands of teachers marching on Downing Street in disputes with the government over pay, pensions and working conditions.

As somebody looking for a teaching vacancy in London, how would you feel if asked to strike by a union? Would it be too disruptive to pupils or is it the only way to achieve resolutions that are for the good of the education system?

Let us know your views on the subject.