NEU Strikes at 32 Colleges Over Pay Disparities

Teachers at 32 sixth form colleges across England, represented by the National Education Union (NEU), have initiated strikes over pay disparities compared to academised sixth-form colleges and schools, affecting around 80,000 students. The strikes underscore the lack of a 5.5% pay rise for these colleges, which was granted to others, prompting a legal challenge from the Sixth Form Colleges Association seeking a judicial review. NEU General Secretary Daniel Kebede highlighted the unfairness of the situation, urging the government to address the pay inequality. The Department for Education maintains that sixth form colleges are responsible for setting their own pay, leading to real-term funding cuts for non-academised colleges. Further strike action is planned for December 3 and 4 as staff and students push for a fair resolution.