STAFF at Bradford College are being balloted to strike after a pay award worth only 2.2 per cent to 2.5 per cent was recommended by management.

A spokesperson for Bradford College, however, said a 10 per cent pay award demand by the union is not "financially viable" and they do not "want to put any jobs at risk".

The University and College Union (UCU) confirmed the ballot will open this Thursday and will run until Monday, March 27. The dispute centres on a pay award for 2021/22 of only £800, which is worth between just 2.2 per cent to 2.5 per cent for most UCU members.

Inflation is currently 13.4 per cent and UCU is demanding a pay award that meaningfully addresses the cost-of-living crisis its members are facing.

The union claims college accounts show it has over £9 million in the bank.

Over the summer, UCU produced a report that shows the vast majority of college staff are financially insecure, with many being forced to skip meals and restrict hot water use to save money.

UCU regional official Julie Kelley said: "It is shameful that Bradford College wants to impose a huge real-terms pay cut on its staff in the midst of the cost-of-living crisis. It has over £9m sitting in cash yet some of our members can no longer afford to fill up the tank to get into work.

"College management needs to take a long hard look at itself, stop hoarding millions of pounds in the bank and instead use that money to protect staff from being pushed into poverty.

"Our members are furious that management thinks it can get away with treating them like this, and unless the college gets serious, they will be voting in huge numbers to take strike action."

A spokesperson for Bradford College said: “Unfortunately, the 10 per cent pay award demanded by the UCU while completely understandable, is in no way financially viable.

“The college’s 2021/2022 financial health grade was ‘requires improvement.’ Since then, the college has made significant efforts to reverse this because a specific level of financial performance is mandated to attain ‘good’ financial health.

“The college must ensure a sustainable future with an affordable pay rate increase which does not inadvertently put jobs at risk. The £9 million referenced includes capital grant funds ringfenced for essential student learning facilities refurbishments and block payments from the ESFA.

“Bradford College is committed to a positive outcome and will continue talks as the ballot is decided.”

 

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