A STRIKE by lecturers, which led to all lessons at Bolton Community College being cancelled on Wednesday, could be repeated, a union official has warned.

The lecturers held a one-day strike in protest over low pay and what they say is a funding gap in further education.

It was part of a national day of action and Dave King, branch secretary of the National Association of Teachers in Further and Higher Education, said the strikes could be repeated if the government did not listen.

He said: "We had a nationally agreed pay rise in 2003 which has not been implemented by the majority of colleges. But this isn't Bolton Community College's fault - the government hasn't provided the money. College lecturers are the poor relation in the education system."

He added: "The students understand you have to stand up for your rights and have been supportive about the action. Three years ago the government promised to cut the differential between lecturers and school teachers who are paid much more."

A college spokesman said: "Due to concerns relating to health and safety, Bolton Community College decided to close all its centres across the borough to all students and visitors for the whole of Wednesday. College staff wishing to work had the option to do so."

While the starting salary for a community college lecturer is £20,283, compared to a newly-qualified teacher's £19,161, under Government initiatives and a structured pay scale, teachers' salaries soon overtake those of lecturers