Half of this week's college strikes cancelled or paused

Strikes are still set to take place at five colleges this week after half of the planned walkouts were called off or paused. Industrial action at Bridgwater and Taunton College was called off after college leaders agreed an end to graded lesson observations and a 2 per cent pay rise over nine months – 1 per cent in April 2019 and a further 1 per cent in January 2020. Lower paid members will receive a 5 per cent increase in April 2019. It comes as the planned three days of strikes at New College Swindon were called off last week after staff were told they would receive a 2 per cent pay rise backdated to August and changes to pay grades.However, the University and College Union said Bradford College has refused to engage with them since the last strike action in January, so the planned three days of walkouts will go ahead. It will be the third time this year staff have gone on strike at the college.UCU head of further education Andrew Harden said: “Strike action is always a last resort and we are pleased that some colleges have worked with us to prioritise their staff and avoid disruption for students. We have always said colleges who engage with us on the pay and conditions of their staff will get a positive hearing and we are extremely frustrated that some chose not to do this.