MORE than 100 teaching staff at a south-west London college began a week of strikes today over the use of fire-and-rehire tactics against them.

The walkouts, due to continue until Friday, come after bosses at Richmond-upon-Thames College confirmed that they intend to sack 127 workers and force them to reapply for their jobs on worse terms and conditions.

The University and College union (UCU) accused management of failing to consult with staff before announcing their intention to introduce the new contracts, which would see workers lose 10 days of annual leave. 

The union said staff, who overwhelmingly backed industrial action in a ballot earlier this month, report “feeling broken” at the institution, which is in a “state of chaos.”

Speaking ahead of a rally outside the college, UCU general secretary Jo Grady said: “Management is effectively putting a gun to the head of its own staff — it is deplorable behaviour, and will be met with the full force of our union.”

“Staff are going absolutely nowhere and it is in the interests of all that the so-called leaders of the college think again.”

The demo was addressed by Labour MP Barry Gardiner, whose Bill to outlaw fire and rehire was filibustered by Tory MPs last autumn, and Institute of Employment Rights chairman Lord John Hendy QC. 

This week’s walkouts will be immediately followed by action short of strikes, such as staff working strictly to contract, the union confirmed.

A college spokesperson said it is disappointed and doing everything possible to minimise disruption for students.

The UCU represents fewer than half of the institution’s staff and “many of our teachers are equally disappointed in the union’s decision to strike,” the spokesperson said.