LECTURERS at 10 further education colleges in England launched strike action over pay today.

Action at another three colleges was called off after bosses caved in and offered a better pay deal.

The strikers are in dispute with their employers’ body, the Association of Colleges, which proposed a below-inflation 1 per cent pay increase in December last year.

Up to 10 days of strike action have been launched and pickets were in action at all colleges today.

Colleges hit by strike action are City and Islington College, College of North East London, Westminster Kingsway College, City of Liverpool College, Croydon College, Lambeth College, Carshalton College, Kingston College, Merton College, Wandsworth and Tooting College.

Strikes at City of Bristol College and New College Swindon were suspended after an 11th-hour decision by management to propose a higher increase.

Strike action was also called off at Weymouth College after staff accepted a new deal.

The University and College Union (UCU) said that if the strike-hit colleges want to avoid further disruption they should “follow the lead of these colleges and get around the negotiating table.”

The lecturers want a pay increase of at least 5 per cent after more than a decade of below-inflation further education pay increases.

They say they are now paid £9,000 a year less than teachers and have suffered a real-terms pay cut of 30 per cent over the last 10 years.

Striking lecturers at three London colleges are in dispute over working conditions as well as pay.

UCU general secretary Jo Grady said: “College leaders are facing strike action and severe disruption because they have refused to negotiate on pay.

“College staff are some of our most brilliant and dedicated educators, but they have seen a real terms pay cut of over 30 per cent in the past decade. 

“Another below-inflation offer of 1 per cent is completely unacceptable.

“Staff have given notice of more days of strike action this term and will be walking out again unless they see improved pay offers. 

“This can be resolved — but that is in the hands of employers.”