A petition has been launched to reverse “unacceptable” teacher cuts in Glasgow.

The Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) has slammed budget cuts which will axe 172 teaching posts this year, with the number rising to 450 over the next three years.

The union has now declared a dispute with Glasgow City Council as a result to actively campaign against the devastating cuts.

The local authority is required to make £108m of savings from public services over the next three years, not including social care.

Now with the education budget amounting to more than half of service expenditure directed by the council, major cuts are being put forward to the sector.

READ MORE: Council faces more than £100m of cuts over next three years

A spokesperson for EIS said: “The EIS is clear that our members will simply not be able to provide the level of service we are currently providing in the face of these cuts.

“It is imperative that councillors rethink their decision, prioritise Glasgow's children and young people and reverse these cuts to teacher numbers.”

A council spokeswoman said: “Officers will continue to have meaningful consultation with trade unions to discuss the challenges and they are aware of the savings required.

“Education staff have met with head teachers across the city to support and help with staffing models for the new term.

“At every stage we will do everything we can to minimise any impact to schools but in the current financial climate the council must look at every option.

“Officers are looking at several education service reform options as part of a budget that required £108m of savings from council services over the next three years, not including social care.

“For many years education spending has been prioritised, relative to other services, in the budget process.

“However, with the education budget now amounting to more than half of service expenditure directed by the council, it is significantly more challenging to protect education when substantial savings are needed.

“A cross party, political oversight group is now established, and we will continue to engage with employees, parents, carers, and trade unions.”

You can view the petition here.