TEACHERS are the latest public sector workers to threaten strike action over the Government's proposals to raise the retirement age.

They could be among thousands of employees across west Wiltshire downing tools, including firefighters, nurses, local government workers and civil servants, as the balloting for industrial action steps up a gear.

Workers from across the south west will take to the streets today to protest against the changes that will see the pension age increase from 60 to 65.

Nigel Costley, regional secretary of the South West TUC, said: "Public sector workers feel very let down. There is a great deal of anger and resentment at the changes.

"There is a crisis at the moment and all unions are considering whether to ballot their members over strike action."

The National Union of Teachers (NUT) has followed UNISON's lead in asking whether members are in favour of industrial action.

The survey forms were dispatched on Monday for return by February 28 and, with over 2,000 NUT members in Wiltshire, the county's education system could face severe disruption.

Mike Harrison, Wiltshire NUT representative and teacher, said: "Lots of teachers like me expected to retire on full pension and now we are told we must work until we are 65.

"I would definitely strike. People are unaware what the proposals are and what is required is a lot of publicity, which a strike will do. A strike would mean the closure of lots of schools."

James Colquhoun, headteacher at St Laurence School in Bradford on Avon, said: "Our staff are extremely professional people who are likely to think very carefully before taking industrial action. We would have to cross that bridge when we come to it."

Andy Packer, headteacher at John of Gaunt School, Trowbridge, said he sympathised with the cause.

He said: "As most people appreciate, teaching can be an extremely demanding occupation.

"This is not to say it does not have fantastic rewards but few teachers could maintain the level of intensity needed to be at the top of their game if the pension age does rise. A strike would be difficult to cope with."

Wiltshire county councillor Jeff Osborn, who is on the education scrutiny panel, said he hoped industrial action could be avoided.

He said: "I appreciate the concern the NUT feels and I am sure the members will take into account any effects the possible disruption could have on the children and their education."

A Wiltshire County Council spokesman said: "We will wait for the outcome of the initial ballot before deciding whether any arrangements need to be put in place."

Around 100 UNISON members at West Wiltshire District Council and 2,000 at Wiltshire County Council are being balloted on strike action.