Dozens of schools could be forced to shut next month if further strike action is taken by teachers in a row over pensions.

The National Union of Teachers (NUT) is surveying members on industrial action, which will take place on March 28 if given the go-ahead.

Members of the University and Colleges Union (UCU) are also consulting members about taking strike action on the same day.

It is understood those in the public sector, such as members of Unison and Unite, may also support the move.

Union leaders say the Government is asking teachers to pay more into their pension pots for a longer period in contribution for a lower return.

They are still negotiating with the Government over the changes and some concessions have been made, including greater protection for those within 10 years of retirement.

However, union leaders say they are still not ready to "roll over".

If the walk-out goes ahead, it will be the third time in 10 months.

In June, hundreds of teaching staff gathered in Victoria Park, Leicester, for a rally.

In November, they joined thousands who took to the streets for combined action which saw schools close, job centres affected and council and NHS workers on picket lines.

Peter Flack, assistant branch secretary for Leicester's NUT, said plans were still being drawn up.

He said: "We expect it to be on a par with our action in June when dozens of schools had to shut. The Government may have made some concessions but we're not simply going to roll over."

Alan Ryan, UCU secretary at De Montfort University, said he expected some lectures to be affected. He said: "The university is shutting its business school so the Queen can visit on March 8.

"If that isn't going to have a huge impact on students then I don't see how the university can complain about the 28th."

James McGowan, head of Alderman Richard Hallam Primary, in Beaumont Leys, has supported past strikes.

He is a member of the National Association of Head teachers (NAHT), which is not expected to take industrial action.

He said: "I'd expect the school to be partially closed if this goes ahead. I think young teachers especially need to think about the consequences of this on their future because they stand to lose out on a lot."

One parent with a four-year-old daughter in the city, who did not want to be named, said: "Teachers need to walk out if they're not happy with their pensions and stick up for what they think is right."

However, a 38-year-old mum from Mountsorrel said: "They should feel lucky they have jobs when so many have lost theirs. They get long holidays in the summer and don't have to worry about childcare."

A spokeswoman for the Department for Education said: "The deal that's been offered is fair – guaranteeing teachers a far better pension than the majority of people in the country will ever get."

The survey for strike action closes on March 14.