Local Labour politicians have accused Dumfries and Galloway Council of presiding over an “utter shambles” as the local authority announced with less than a days’ notice that all schools and early learning centres in the region will be closed for three days this week due to industrial action.

Last week the council said individual schools and early learning centres would be dealt with on a case by case basis and would contact parents directly, with many indicating that they would remain open fully or in part. However, at lunchtime today the council issued a statement saying none will open on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday this week.

South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth said: “This really is an utter shambles from the council.

“Last week many parents were told their kids’ school would be open, but now with less than a days’ notice they are told it won’t, making it almost impossible for them to make alternative arrangements.

“The council claim they did not have the information last week, but why is it that other councils across Scotland were able to inform parents long before now whether their schools were closing, while Dumfries and Galloway Council have not just left it until the day before to say, but in many cases have changed what they told parents just a few days ago

“A lot of people will have a great deal of sympathy for workers on strike and would have sought to make appropriate arrangements if given proper notice. But the complete incompetence of the council will make this impossible for many parents.”

Education Spokesperson for the Labour Group on Dumfries and Galloway Council, Councillor Paula Stevenson said: “The handling of the information regarding the strike has been a completely shocking.

“Many councils made the decision to close all schools early last week to allow parents time to plan and prepare, not just for work and childcare, but to prepare children for any change that would happen.

“The buck was passed to the schools themselves, many of whom tried to stay open before the council made the decision the day before the strikes to close ALL schools and Early Learning Centres.

“We face the crazy situation that teachers with children will have to go into school when there won’t be any pupils to teach, and if they can’t due to not being able to arrange childcare, they will have their pay cut.

“At a time families are facing a cost of living crisis, many parents will be in the same situation of having to take unpaid leave due to the last minute timing and that is totally unacceptable.

“Councillors have been kept in the dark over what is happening in their area and only found out at 12.06 pm on the day before strike action that all schools would be closed- the same time as parents did. This is completely unacceptable for parents and pupils, and also local councillors who have had no say in these decisions. The Labour Group on the council will be seeking answers from the Council Leader as to why this decision was made the day before AND who made it. We will also be looking for assurance that changes will be made to the way decisions are made to ensure this never happens again.”