Barry Gardiner has said the overspends must be resolved

One of Northern Ireland's education boards has announced cost-cutting measures to tackle a �5.7m overspend.

The South Eastern Education and Library Board said on Thursday that it was acting to make up a shortfall in funds.

The board announced that vacant posts in its headquarters would not be filled and temporary agency staff would no longer be employed as part of a series of measures aimed at clawing back money.

Staff have been asked if they want to take extra unpaid leave, which would save on the salary bill.

However, the unions involved have branded the plans "draconian" and have declared their determined opposition to cuts in jobs and services.

The two unions, the Northern Ireland Public Service Alliance and Unison, are opposing the measures.

On Wednesday, Minister for Education Barry Gardiner told two education boards - the SEELB and the Belfast Education and Library Board - to tackle overspends totalling around �11m.

He said savings aimed at keeping the budgets on target and paying back the overspend, should not affect children in schools.