“It is deeply disappointing that the EIS-FELA has announced national strike action, on top of its existing Action Short of Strike. Strikes will only serve to damage the college sector and cause further stress and anxiety to students. Colleges will now seek to put in place measures to mitigate the effects of any proposed strike action on their students’ education.

“College Employers Scotland provided a full and final pay offer to the EIS-FELA in June for a cumulative £3,500 pay rise. This equates to an average 8% pay rise and would mean college lecturers in Scotland maintain their position as the highest paid college lecturers across the UK.

“It’s unfortunate this pay offer from employers has not been taken to EIS-FELA members for a formal ballot and that, instead, colleges have now been given potential strike dates. We urge EIS-FELA to give their members a say on the employers’ offer.”