The Malta Union of Teachers has declared an industrial dispute with the government and warned of industrial action over what it described as an 'insulting' circular issued by the Director for Quality and Standards in primary schools.

The union said that the circular deals with the strategy on literacy and calls on heads of school to identify and report those teachers showing a reluctance to follow this strategy so that they can be given 'support'.

The union asked since when had heads of school been asked to identify and report teachers - without them knowing - on the basis of reluctance.

The circular also says that in January and February inspectors will tour primary schools.

This circular, the MUT said, was an affront to the professional dignity of teachers and an insult to the intelligence of all teaching grades.

It said it had called for the circular to be withdrawn, but the directorate had held its ground.

The union's council will therefore meet to consider further action.