Staff at Tower Hamlets College, in east London, were due to strike today as part of a campaign to save jobs and adult education places.

Members of the University and College Union are protesting at the college’s plans to cut 25 full-time posts and reduce student places on its Skills for Life programme, as well as closing outreach centres and support services for students.

Alison Lord, UCU branch chair at the college’s Poplar site, said: “We regret having to take strike action, but what the college is planning is totally unacceptable. Cutting funds for English language courses and outreach centres is a massive threat to social inclusion at a time of recession.”

Earlier this week, UCU members walked out at The Manchester College in protest at job losses. The union warned that Wednesday’s action could be the first in a prolonged campaign to save jobs.