STAFF at Carlisle College are the latest to commit to strike action in a dispute over low pay as we go through the cost-of-living crisis.

Around 4,000 staff at 29 colleges throughout the country will take up to 10 days of strike action - members of the University and College Union (UCU) began picketing outside Carlisle's College campus today (September, 26).

Matthew Cookson, the UCU rep at the college said: "Staff at Carlisle College are standing together to demand better pay. 

"With the current cost of living crisis, we are asking for more financial security," he said. 

UCU is demanding employers make a pay offer that reflects the soaring costs college staff currently face. 

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Since 2009 pay in further education has fallen behind inflation by 35 per cent and the pay gap between school and college teachers stands at around £9k. 

A pay deal was offered at 2.5 per cent increase alongside a £500 one-off payment, to which has been rejected as members don't see it going far enough. 

Members will be striking tomorrow and Wednesday (September 28), before further strike action in October. 

UCU general secretary Jo Grady said: "Strike action on this scale in further education is unprecedented. But our members have been left with no other option, they are being pushed into poverty by college bosses who refuse to raise pay to help them meet the cost-of-living crisis.

"College staff deliver excellent education but over the last twelve years their pay has fallen behind inflation by 35 per cent and now thousands are skipping meals, restricting energy use and considering leaving the sector altogether. This strike action will continue for 10 days unless college bosses wake up to this crisis, stop dining off the goodwill of their workforce and make a serious pay offer," she said. 

UCU is also balloting staff at 150 universities over low pay, with demands including a 12 per cent pay rise to cover the cost of living increase and an end to zero-hour contracts for academic staff - to which University of Cumbria is currently being balloted on.  

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