Overview of the dispute
Staff at 25 colleges across England are set to strike next week in response to ongoing disputes over pay and working conditions. The action, led by the University and College Union (UCU), follows a pattern seen across the Further Education sector where colleges seek to balance budgets with fair pay, reasonable workloads, and improved terms of employment. While some colleges have reached settlements through pay awards, many members say the gains are insufficient to address rising living costs and workload pressures.
The UCU has indicated that some colleges have already settled disputes after pay awards were announced, but the union emphasizes that remaining colleges cannot ignore the broader concerns about one-off increases versus sustainable, long-term pay growth. The upcoming industrial action is part of a broader strategy to pressure employers to negotiate more favorable terms for staff, including better progression pay, increased contractual stability, and improved scheduling practices.
Why pay and conditions matter in FE
Faculty and support staff in further education play a crucial role in delivering practical and academic programs that prepare students for work and higher education. Pay levels, leave arrangements, workload, and career development opportunities all influence recruitment, retention, and morale. In recent years, many colleges have faced funding constraints, rising costs, and increased administrative duties. When pay awards do not keep pace with inflation, staff may feel undervalued, prompting collective action to safeguard standards of education and staff welfare.
What this means for students and campuses
Industrial action typically leads to timetable disruptions, class cancellations, or rescheduled courses. Colleges often put contingency plans in place, such as running essential classes with reduced staffing, offering online or self-guided study options, and prioritizing practical sessions where possible. While disruptions are challenging for learners, unions argue that strikes are a necessary tool to secure fair treatment for staff who enable day-to-day campus life, student support services, and administrative operations.
The broader context in the sector
The dispute unfolds amid a wider debate about pay progression in the UK’s education system. Teachers and support staff have faced years of budgetary pressure, and the UCU has warned that the sector’s long-term health depends on competitive pay that reflects the demands of modern education. For colleges, negotiations often balance the need to attract and retain skilled staff with the constraints of funding streams, government support, and the need to deliver high-quality education to a diverse student body.
What to expect next
Union leaders have indicated that negotiations will continue alongside the strike action, with possible talks and a willingness to suspend or scale back the strike if a satisfactory agreement can be reached. Students, parents, and staff are advised to monitor college communications for updates on schedules, campus access, and support services during strike days. Local media may provide guidance on which colleges are affected and how the action could influence exam preparations or course deadlines.
How staff and colleges can move forward
Experts suggest that lasting improvement requires transparent pay frameworks, meaningful workload assessments, and clear pathways for career development. Stakeholders support constructive dialogue, enhanced staff involvement in decision-making, and realistic timelines for implementing agreed terms. By focusing on sustainable changes, colleges can address immediate concerns while strengthening the long-term resilience and educational quality of the sector.
