FE lecturers to strike

College lecturers will stage a one-day strike to demand that their pay is brought in line with that of school teachers, it has been announced.

The University and College Union (UCU) said that the strike will take place on April 24th - the same day that school teachers will strike over pay - after 65.5 per cent of those voting supported the action.

Further education (FE) unions have submitted a pay claim for a six per cent increase or £1,500, whichever is greater, to bring college lecturers' pay up to the levels received by teachers.

The UCU points out that thousands of FE lecturers are unable reach the pay levels achieved by school teachers, especially those who work part-time or receive hourly pay.

Sally Hunt, general secretary of the UCU, said: "College lecturers feel undervalued, despite their successes, which the government has recognised.

"The considerable difference in the average pay of lecturers and teachers for doing the same work is grossly unfair."

On April 1st, the National Union of Teachers announced its members would hold a one-day strike to further its campaign of achieving a pay rise in line with inflation.