College staff seek 6% pay rise

FE lecturers have long campaigned for better wages

Lecturers and other staff in further education have put in a bid for a 6% pay rise next year.

The above-inflation claim, submitted by six trade unions representing FE staff, would establish a minimum wage of £7.38 an hour, the groups say.

Unions say the increase will help workers "catch up" after being awarded a below-inflation rise last year.

The Association of Colleges (AoC), which represents employers, says this is an "ambitious" claim.

The unions - ACM, ATL, GMB, UCU, Unison and Unite - are asking for 6% or £1,500, whichever is the greater, for all FE staff in England.

Further education is the driver for the government's skills agenda which is impossible to deliver if you have a low paid, demoralised workforce Christine Lewis, Unison

They say staff suffered a "double whammy" last year when they were awarded a below-inflation (2.55%) pay deal, which, they claim, some colleges then failed to implement.

UCU joint trade union secretary Barry Lovejoy said: "We want a better deal for FE staff which matches the rise in prices and the contribution members make to our colleges.

"The recommended award this year was well below inflation and an effective pay cut for staff. This claim seeks to make up the shortfall."

Unison national officer Christine Lewis said: "College staff are part of a community of public service workers who are entitled to a fair pay deal and they are determined to get one.

"Further education is the driver for the government's skills agenda which is impossible to deliver if you have a low paid, demoralised workforce."

The claim, which also covers lab technicians, catering and security staff, is in defiance of the government's aim of a three-year pay deal in the public sector of around 2% a year.

The employers' body, the AoC, makes a recommendation to individual FE colleges on pay.

AoC acting chief executive Sue Dutton said: "This claim is part of the normal negotiations process.

"While it is too early to comment on specific figures, this does look like rather an ambitious claim given the current funding climate.

"Colleges value the hard work of both teaching and support staff but pay awards must always take into account the wider funding environment."