Planned strike action at the Hull College Group has been suspended following positive talks between college management and the University and College Union (UCU) over proposed job cuts. Seven days of strike action was due to begin on Monday. This followed three days of strike action in May. 

In a joint statement, the two sides say they will continue to work jointly to avoid compulsory redundancies as part of the restructure.

The statement adds the college group “recognises the important role trade unions play in these consultations and through negotiations with the UCU, both parties are pleased to agree that the planned strike action has now been called off due to a Memorandum of Understanding being agreed”.

Better funding for FE

“We mutually recognise that the past few years have been very challenging for staff and students at Hull College Group and we share the joint ambition to bring about positive changes to ensure we continue to be vibrant and exciting places to learn and a good place to work,” the statement says. “We will work jointly to lobby for better funding for FE colleges.”

It adds: “Hull College group is very sad that we cannot take all staff with us as we rebuild and refresh and we remain focused on delivering the vital role our colleges play in providing skills and education to our local communities.”

UCU regional official Julie Kelley said: “I am pleased that, following positive talks, we have been able to secure an agreement with the college management to work together to avoid compulsory redundancies. We will continue to engage constructively with the college with the aim of minimising the impact of the restructure on staff and students.”