LECTURERS at Nelson and Colne College are striking today (Thursday) over jobs cuts they say will have a disastrous impact.

The one-day walk out and picket follows massive support for action. Branch members of the lecturers' union NATFHE had urged and voted for an all out strike.

More than 70 per cent of the staff took part in the ballot, which came out 6 : 1 in favour.

Teachers at the college want the governing board to reduce the number of job losses, initially estimated at 47.

They also say new working arrangements being introduced by the college will have the same effect of losing 30 out of the 111 full-time equivalent posts.

Union representatives say morale at the college is at an all-time low, with staff being forced to apply for their own jobs. Departmental restructuring results in close colleagues vying with each other for jobs.

Some staff have already opted for early retirement and voluntary redundancy

College Principal Kath Belton said: "I believe that by careful use of re-deployment and other appropriate measures are now at a stage at which the college will be able to avoid any compulsory redundancies."

She said a 30-day consultation had led to significant changes, reducing the number of teaching posts to go compulsory to 3.9.

Mrs Belton added: "I particularly regret the NATFHE branch of this college has chosen to take part in industrial action.

"This will cause disruption to some programmes at an important time of year for students.

"While some staff will be working normally a number of students will be expected to study at home and will be advised accordingly."

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