TUC supports UCU and UNISON strike in defence of further education

Commenting ahead of Wednesday’s strike action by members of the University and College Union (UCU) and UNISON in further education, TUC general secretary Frances O’Grady said:
 
“The TUC sends our support to UCU and UNISON members taking action this Wednesday. 
 
“At a time when UK productivity is lagging behind other countries, further education has never been more important to boost skills and training. Yet this government has repeatedly cut funding, with staff pay falling by 17% in real terms over the past five years.
 
“UCU and UNISON members are right to defend their livelihoods and the services they provide to learners.”
 
NOTES TO EDITORS: 
- 74% of UCU members and 66% of UNISON members backed industrial action in response to the pay freeze recommended by Association of Colleges.
- Funding for FE and adult skills was cut by 40% in the last Parliament and by a further 24% in the first year of this new Parliament
- 64% of people on casual and fixed term contracts in FE colleges work 30 hours or less a week. 39% earn less than £1,000 a month. 60% of colleges use zero hours contracts to deliver teaching.
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