Eleventh hour talks to try and avert strike at Mid Cheshire College

UCU said talks earlier this week had been positive, but stressed that the college had still refused to rule out any compulsory redundancies. The union said it hoped Monday's talks would provide a constructive opportunity to explore alternative options to unnecessary job losses.

The college says it was undergoing a review of its services and blamed a drop in government funding and student numbers for the cuts. However, UCU argues that Mid Cheshire College is in a good financial position, with cash reserves of £1.5million, and should not be looking to axe staff.

In a ballot of UCU members earlier this month, three-quarters of members of members who voted (74%) backed strike action.

UCU regional official, Martyn Moss, said: 'We hope Monday's talks will result in a positive outcome for all concerned. Strike action is always a last resort, but the college does not need to be making compulsory redundancies.

'Monday is an opportunity for both sides to sit down again and explore alternative options to compulsory redundancies. We have been trying to resolve the issue through talks and have made some progress, but staff patience is now wearing thin and the college must rethink its position if it wants to avoid disruption.'