Strike action at Barnet and Southgate College suspended

Staff have already taken three days of strike action in the dispute over excessive workload and management's paltry 2% pay award for the previous two financial years (1% 2020/21 and 1% 2021/2). Inflation is currently at 12.6% and UCU is demanding a significant uplift to help staff meet the cost of living crisis.

This summer, UCU produced a report that showed the vast majority of college staff are financially insecure, impacting the mental health of more than eight in 10, with many being forced to skip meals and restrict hot water use to save money.  Seven in 10 said they will leave the sector unless pay and working conditions improve.

UCU regional support official Caroline Lake said: "Barnet and Southgate College's original offer of a below inflation pay rise when our members are in the midst of a cost of living crisis, was completely unacceptable. To allow time for further talks our members have agreed to suspend the planned strike action. This gesture of goodwill shows we are prepared to work towards an agreement but management must meet us half way and improve their current offer or face further industrial action."