SCHOOL pupils taking part in a strike next week will be backed by a council.

Brighton and Hove City Council confirmed children taking part in next Friday’s general climate strike will be supported as long as they have their parents’ permission.

But ultimately it is up to individual headteachers to permit their pupils going on strike.

Council leader Nancy Platts said any council workers who wished to strike must take the time off as annual leave.

She said: “Climate change is a global crisis. In Brighton and Hove we recently declared a climate emergency and a commitment to go carbon neutral by 2030.

“We’re encouraging everyone who wants to protest about this crucial issue to have their voices heard.”

The announcement came after a meeting between Brighton party leaders yesterday.

The city council has spoken with Sussex Police and the GMB union to organise the general strike.

It advised primary school children should not go on strike without being accompanied by their parents.