'Jobs won't be cut' claims Tower Hamlets College after call for strike
AN EAST End college where teachers are threatening to strike rebutted claims today that possible funding cuts could lead to compulsory redundancies and students places getting slashed. Teachers at Tower Hamlets College announced on Friday they were pre
AN EAST End college where teachers are threatening to strike rebutted claims today that possible funding cuts could lead to compulsory redundancies and students places getting slashed.
Teachers at Tower Hamlets College announced on Friday they were preparing to strike on May 5 following the Government's possible plans to make funding cuts within further education.
Members of the University and College Union (UCU) at the college in Poplar say the cuts could lead to compulsory redundancies.
But Principal Michael Farley said he was "disappointed" with union members choosing to strike as students are preparing to take their A-levels.
He said: "I have made UCU representatives clearly aware that I believe it is possible that the reduction in teaching staff we need for the forthcoming year can be made without the need for compulsory redundancies.
"I have also set out my intention that we will not cut student places next year.
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"The call for industrial action by UCU is premature and a strike at this time can only be damaging for our students."
The union held a four-week strike last September following the threat to English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes at the college.
But members returned to work after striking a deal with the college to avoid redundancies.
Tower Hamlets College is one of 11 colleges in London threatening strike action.
