STAFF at Weymouth College have threatened to go on strike after an 'unsatisfactory' proposed pay rise.

Teachers and support staff at the college have voted to take strike action if there is no increase to the proposed 2.2 per cent pay rise.

The University and College Union (UCU), a trade union in further and higher education representing more than 120,000 academics and support staff, has been campaigning for a 5 per cent increase in pay for college staff. The trade union has said that employers have until September to meet its demands or they will face strike action.

Headteacher of Weymouth College, Nigel Evans, who will be replaced in September when he retires, is sympathetic to staff that may see the pay rise as unsatisfactory but said he would be 'disappointed' if they chose to strike.

He said: "I do completely understand that some staff may feel that a 2.2 per cent pay rise is not enough and that after years of chronic underfunding of colleges, they may feel that they are at the end of their tether and are struggling to make ends meet.

"Over the years we have made the college a really nice place to work. We offer free gym memberships, health and wellbeing days and just about every benefit that we possibly can and, in terms of culture, it's a very positive place to work.

"However, all those nice things don't pay the bills so I would be disappointed but understanding if staff did choose to strike."

The recommended salary increase by employer body the Association of Colleges (AoC) was just 1 per cent, and Mr Evans is proud to have offered his staff more than that.

He said: "We had forecast that we would offer a 2 per cent pay increase but our senior leadership team refused to take the additional money so that staff in the rest of the school could have more and the pay rise would be pushed up to 2.2 per cent.

"I recognise that 2.2 per cent is not a lot for more people but I hope staff will see the spirit in which is has been given and choose not to strike."

UCU general secretary Jo Grady said: "College leaders urgently need to come to the negotiating table or they will face severe disruption in the autumn.

"Colleges need to understand that delivering top class education is reliant on looking after your staff and ensuring they are paid fairly.

"The employers who engage with us on pay and conditions will receive a positive hearing, but those who refuse should not be surprised at the determination of staff to take action.

"Pay in further education is a problem, and it is time for colleges and the AoC to get serious and do something about it."