Staff at Bolton College are set to take strike action over an ongoing pay dispute.

It comes after members of the University and College Union (UCU) voted to strike last month.

The UCU previously said that they made the decision after a survey found that 96 per cent of their members were struggling with low pay.

The strikes will take place from tomorrow, Tuesday, until Thursday, November 16, with many expected to be on the picket line.

A spokesperson for Bolton College said: “The college remains open, and we anticipate that many classes will run as normal.

“However, where we are aware that staff are on strike, students will be contacted to let them know.

“This is linked to pay negotiations with Bolton College staff.”

 The Young People’s open day will now be rescheduled to Thursday, December 14 instead of Wednesday November 15.

Staff at 11 colleges across England, including three in the North West, will be on picket lines tomorrow morning (Tuesday November 14) over low pay and poor working conditions.

UCU says it is very disappointed some hold out college bosses have refused to give their staff the pay rise, given the union has now called off strike action at 32 colleges, with all pay awards at or above employer body, the Association of College’s, recommended 6.5 per cent.

UCU general secretary Jo Grady said: “Our members are being forced to take three days of strike action because some college bosses would rather see their staff use foodbanks than give them a cost of living pay rise.

“New money from government has now arrived and many colleges have done the right thing and raised pay by at least 6.5 per cent.

“The funding is there, where employers can pay more, they should pay more. 

“Members have voted to stand down action at colleges that have acted reasonably and tabled a decent pay offer.

“But where bosses are hoarding money, instead of investing it in staff, we will not shy away from striking.” 

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