STAFF at a college in west London will take strike action for five days over plans by the management to fire and rehire over 100 teachers on worse terms and conditions.

The University & College Union (UCU) said that the strike, starting on May 23, comes after 97 per cent of members at Richmond upon Thames College voted for it.

The strike will be followed by staff working strictly to contract and could be escalated to include refusing to cover for colleagues, refusing to reschedule lectures or classes and a boycott of assessments.

UCU regional official Adam Lincoln said: “Staff are not going to take this lying down, and the overwhelming vote for strike action proves just that.

“The 127 teachers who now face a battle to save their jobs have dedicated themselves to supporting their students, not least during the pandemic.

“The fact that management are trying to slash 10 days from their holiday entitlement is a mark of shame for the entire college and one which will prompt fury among students and the local community.

“Fire-and-rehire tactics have no place in further education.”

The college was approached for comment.