THREE days of strikes have begun at a college group as staff push for a better deal from management to meet the cost of living.

Staff from Sparsholt and Andover College within the University and College Union (UCU) are striking from Monday, January 9 to Wednesday, January 11.

The action follows a trade dispute and strikes in the summer which saw the college group’s management offer an £850 consolidated pay rise alongside one-off payments of £450.

The proposal was rejected, with UCU members arguing the proposal was below the Association of College’s recommendation and insufficient to meet rising costs.

The union represents 51 members of academic staff who are involved in the dispute.

UCU branch chair and music technology teacher, Nick Lindsay, was based at the picket line by the college entrance. Mr Lindsay said: “There’s a lot of pressure on salaries and the cost of living is having a huge impact. Salaries have fallen 25 per cent from where they should be, taking inflation into account.

“There’s a sense of unity along the picket line. Lots of staff who have come out are all voicing the same opinions that they need to be recognised for their hard work.”

“The management team was quite reluctant to meet with us to start negotiations after we rejected their proposal in June.”

At the meeting ahead of the January strike action, management put forward another payment deal but this was also rejected in a ballot by the UCU members.

A spokesperson for Sparsholt College Group management said: "We are saddened that an extremely small number of our staff members (22 out of 700 staff) recently voted to reject the improved pay award and may be prepared to take strike action. Our staff will always be our most valuable asset and we remain committed to remunerating our staff as best we are able. 

"We would like to reassure our students that they should attend College and University Centre as per their timetable, with both lessons and bus services continuing to run as normal."

The UCU branch chair added: “We are very keen to avoid any disruption to students but the staff’s resolve is being tested. We need to have the continuity of payment to deliver the best quality of education. We want the best deal for staff and students.

“I’m positive that other staff who aren’t striking will want to see a settlement to the pay dispute as well.”

The picket line was based outside Sparsholt College’s main entrance on Monday, January 9 morning and will continue from 8am-10.30am on Tuesday, January 10 at Andover College’s main entrance and on Wednesday, January 11 back at Sparsholt.