Strike ballot looms at Kendal College over low pay

This is despite college employer body, the Association of Colleges, making its formal pay recommendation for the 2024/25 academic year six months ago in October 2024.

The dispute was declared after an overwhelming 98% of UCU members who voted supported the move, in a ballot that saw over 50% turnout. It paves the way for a strike ballot if management refuses to resolve the dispute.

Kendal College is the lowest paying college in Cumbria and only pays £36,198 to lecturers who reach the top of the pay scale. Whereas the nearest comparator, Furness College, pays £43,665.

UCU general secretary Jo Grady said: 'Kendal College is already one of the lowest paying in the region, so making our members wait six months without a formal pay offer is all the more unacceptable. In order for this dispute to be resolved we call on the college to table a sensible offer which can be put to our members. If there is a continued unwillingness to do this, we will escalate the dispute.'