Several college staff and students from the Burnham-On-Sea area have joined local protests over pay this week.
John Fones, Chair of the 180-strong University and College Union’s Bridgwater and Taunton College Branch, has led picket lines in Bridgwater and Taunton this week.
He explained: “College staff across the country have not received pay rises that have kept them in step with inflation or with colleagues in schools for many years.”
“Our members have seen the value of their pay decline by 25% over the last decade. College Lecturers, for example, are now paid on average £7000 per year less than their colleagues with similar experience, skills and qualifications who teach in schools.”
“Other colleagues such as assessors, technicians and Learning and other assistants are often paid even less and there are even college staff around the country who have been forced to use food banks. FE is truly the Cinderella education service.”
Pictured: The action underway in Bridgwater on Tuesday. Photos: David Pearce
