Unions representing 250,000 further education (FE) staff have submitted a pay claim for 6% more pay, or £1,500.
The ‘catch-up’ claim from unions covers lecturers, learning support staff, cleaners, managers, caterers, librarians, security staff and lab technicians, and would establish a minimum wage of £7.38 per hour.
Last year, many FE staff faced a double whammy when they were awarded a below-inflation pay deal of 2.55%, which some colleges then failed to implement.
Barry Lovejoy, joint trade union side secretary from the University and College Union, said: “We want a better deal for FE staff which matches the rise in prices and the contribution members make to our colleges.
“The recommended award this year was well below inflation and an effective pay cut for staff. This claim seeks to make up the shortfall.”
Employer’s body the Association of Colleges makes a recommendation to individual FE colleges on pay. In the past, there have been problems because a significant number of colleges have chosen not to implement the agreed pay recommendation, with some even failing to offer any annual increase.
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