A union says teachers caught up in a pension row at an independent girls' school have resigned.
The National Education Union (NEU) said "valued" staff at Abbot's Hill School near Kings Langley have chosen to quit after receiving letters which the NEU claims threaten dismissal.
Meanwhile the NASUWT union says its members who did not agree to changes in their contract were issued with letters terminating their contract of employment.
Teachers at Abbot's Hill have made the "difficult decision" to strike 13 times since November. It was following a proposal for staff at Abbot's Hill leave the Teacher's Pension Scheme (TPS).
The NEU said this would leave teachers "at least 20 per cent worse off on average annually" in terms of pension payments they receive.
Abbot’s Hill says its staff have the opportunity to stay on the TPS scheme but it would mean a 4.7 per cent reduction in salary. Teachers can maintain their salary by signing up to a new pension scheme which the NEU describes as "inferior".
The NEU said: "Inflation is predicted to reach 8.7 per cent, the cap on energy prices is increasing by 54 per cent, and there will be an increase of 1.25 per cent in National Insurance contributions in April.
"This will mean that many members will not be able to afford to remain members of the TPS.
"There is no financial reason for cutting the salary of teachers who wish to remain members of the TPS, the total fund on the balance sheet increased by £114,357 in 2021."
In a letter to school governors on April 6, NEU regional secretary Paul McLaughlin said some "shocked and upset" teachers have now decided to resign although the exact number has not been confirmed.
He says the school had issued "dreadful" dismissal letters to staff. Further strikes at Abbot's Hill are planned.
The NEU and NASUWT says it has contacted ACAS, a neutral third party which helps employers and unions where there is conflict. But the unions indicated this attempt to break the deadlock was unsuccessful.
Mr McLaughlin, who fears matters are "escalating", concluded in his letter to the governors: "In the interests of all concerned we implore you to negotiate with us to find a solution that works for the school, its valued learners and our members."
The NASUWT has also appealed for governors to "engage in meaningful negotiations".
A statement from Abbot's Hill School said it will "continue to put all its effort into resolving this dispute", adding it "greatly appreciates" the contribution staff make.
The school also pointed out that it has not withdrawn the TPS scheme in its entirety like other independent schools have.
A spokesperson for Abbot's Hill School added: "The school engaged in a period of consultation extending over six months which lead to significant changes to reflect the views of staff, including the desire to retain the TPS as a benefit.
"Despite our willingness to listen and to compromise, the NEU and NASUWT trade unions have pursued strike action. We share the concerns of parents regarding the impact of the strike action on the education and welfare of our pupils.
"We appreciate that this has been a difficult time for all involved and shall continue to put all our effort into resolving this dispute."
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