Education college chairmen resign

The chairmen resigned amid claims of over work and no pay

Four out of six chairmen in the newly merged further education colleges have resigned in a row over workload and lack of pay, the BBC has learned.

They say they went to 80 meetings a year - 10 times more than expected - without pay.

The Employment and Learning minister Sir Reg Empey said he cannot guarantee money will be paid but he will look at reducing the work-load.

"Perhaps we're setting the bar too high," Sir Reg said.

"I think this is something that we are going to have to look seriously at, because I'm quite certain that these aren't the only voluntary bodies that are in this position," he added.

The application form said the department was considering paying them for the work, but two years later none have received any money.

Now only one of the original chairpersons remain, one has died and four have resigned.

Pat O'Kane, chairman of the South West college covering Tyrone and Fermanagh, said he was committed to the idea of the new colleges, but the workload and responsibility was too heavy.

"We have indicated to the department on an ongoing basis that given the workload we considered it should be remunerated," Mr O'Kane said.

"They agreed with us and said that they would actively pursue the case. As we stand today that has not happened."

Another former chairman said the Department of Employment and learning had broken its promises over paying for the work.