Lancashire college staff on strike

College staff across Lancashire were absent from class as they took part in a national one-day strike over pay.
Picketers at Leyland's Runshaw College campusPicketers at Leyland's Runshaw College campus
Picketers at Leyland's Runshaw College campus

Members of the Universities and College Union ( UCU) and Unions manned picket lines.

They were protesting about a recommended pay freeze by the Association of Colleges, which members said followed several years where staff have had very low pay rises, which they unions said resulted in a real-terms pay cut for some of up to 17 per cent.

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Although there are no firm numbers yet colleges said the action caused little disruption and they were able to cover classes.

Lis Smith, principal and chief executive at Preston’s College in Fulwood said today: “Contingency plans have been put in place by Preston’s College to minimise any impact today’s strike action has on learners.

“There have been no college members of staff manning picket lines on site and lessons are still running, however, we have had to modify some classes in order to cope with staff being absent.

“Where necessary, management level staff have covered classes accordingly and learners are continuing to attend classes and participate in learning.”

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Lancaster and Morecambe College principal David Wood said: “We have only a few staff who have joined the strike today and the impact on the college is negligible.”

A spokesman for Myerscough College in Bilsborrow added: “Plans are in place to cover any lessons affected and student disruption should be miminal.”

Some colleges have promised staff a pay rise.

Those affected by the dispute included Preston’s College, Runshaw College in Leyland and Chorley, Blackpool & The Fylde College, Lancaster & Morecambe College, Myerscough College, Nelson & Colne College.

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