Pupils at a college base in Blackburn have been asked to study from home as staff go on strike this week. 

Myerscough College has shut down five of its six campuses in response to strike action and the base in Blackburn’s Witton Park is one of those affected.

The college revealed that students would be asked to study from home on Tuesday but could not reveal further details for Wednesday and Thursday.

Staff at including three colleges in the North West, will be on picket lines as they begin three days of consecutive strike action over ‘low pay and poor working conditions’, announced the University and College Union (UCU).

Myerscough College, Bolton College and Hugh Baird College are said to be affected.

The UCU  said a survey of college staff shows that almost all are struggling financially (96 per cent) because of low wages with four in five survey respondents saying their financial situation is impacting their mental health (79 per cent). 

It shows many staff have to use foodbanks, as well as ration hot water and heating because their pay is so low. 

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.”