Hull College Group staff will walk out tomorrow for two days of strike action in a dispute over planned job cuts. 

Members of the University and College Union (UCU) at Hull College and Harrogate College will be on picket lines in the latest development in a dispute over plans by the college to cut 231 full-time equivalent posts across the group’s three campuses.

Staff already walked out last Wednesday, and UCU members recently delivered a vote of no confidence in chief executive Michelle Swithenbank, saying her position was “untenable” after a failure to defend jobs. In February, the FE commissioner published his intervention report in response to the college’s financial ill-health. 

‘Devastating’ job cuts

UCU regional official Julie Kelley said: “Strike action is never taken lightly, but staff at the Hull College Group feel they have been left with little choice. These job cuts would be devastating for staff, students and the local community. We urge the college management to put an urgent stop to these plans and work with us to explore better alternatives which protect jobs and learning opportunities.”

Hull West and Hessle MP Emma Hardy, a member of the Commons Education Select Committee, will visit striking staff on Thursday.