AROUND a dozen members of the University and College Union (UCU) took part in strike action outside Kendal College today.

The strike challenged the 0.7 per cent pay rise offered by employers.

Lecturers and support staff have seen their pay fall in value by 15 per cent over the past four years, said union members.

“We are proud of our outstanding OFSTED grade at our last inspection and know this is down to all the outstanding staff who work extremely hard at the college,” said joint branch chair Carol Catnach and branch secretary Judith Eland.

“Our communities deserve lecturers who are fully rewarded and treated properly, otherwise they will leave the sector and our Colleges will struggle to recruit the best people. That’s not good for anyone.”