Strike action will be taken at Whitehaven Academy next week.

The NUT and ATL teaching unions have confirmed that their members will be taking strike action next Friday.

Forty-four members in the ATL union were balloted and there is an undisclosed number of NUT members.

A notice of the strike action was expected to be served to Bright Tribe, the trust that runs the academy, today.

A third union, the NASUWT, is undecided whether it be joining in next week's strike.

It held a one-day strike last week which resulted in the closure of the academy to all year groups, except year 11.

The move to strike comes amid a row between the teaching staff and Bright Tribe over their concerns about the school environment and working conditions.

Chris Brooksbank, secretary of Cumbria NUT, said: “There have been ongoing discussions with Bright Tribe, and although there has been some activity relating to our concerns about the buildings, not enough of our issues have been resolved and not enough of our suggestions have been taken on."

Stuart Moules, ATL's regional officer, said members' working conditions "have not improved sufficiently".

He said: "Bright Tribe Trust have undertaken a scheme of work over the Christmas holidays that have been welcomed.

"There is clearly a commitment to make further capital improvements."

He said there have been "issues around procurement" which is being looked at.

But Mr Moules raised concerns about other issues including the management style of Bright Tribe officers, historic problems of resourcing and insufficient equipment.

A NASUWT spokeswoman said: "No decision has been made yet as to whether the NASUWT will be taking strike action on January 27. We are currently deciding the next steps regarding action."

A spokesman, on behalf of Bright Tribe, said: "Bright Tribe has been working closely with the unions to resolve concerns raised by teachers regarding the Whitehaven site.

"A range of improvements have already been implemented as part of a planned programme of work and we are keen to continue working closely with the teachers and unions to avoid further action.

"Our aim is to minimise educational disruption as much as possible."