FURTHER education staff across the region joined in a national day of strike action over pay today (Tuesday, November 10).

The action, called by the University and College Union UCU, was voted for by 74 per cent of members who are angry at having to accept another pay freeze for the sector.

Tim Paver, UCU Branch chair at Darlington College, was one of around a dozen members of staff who formed a picket line at the college this morning, although classes remained unaffected.

Mr Paver said that members had not had a pay rise for four years and were “disgruntled” with the increasing pressures they faced.

He added: “It is an incredibly challenging time, we do accept that the colleges are struggling financially, but that is because the government isn’t funding the sector properly and we are where we are.”

At Bishop Auckland College all classes at were cancelled for the day although the college remained open to students and an open evening for prospective students went ahead as planned.

A College spokesman said: “The impact to students was kept minimal and they were informed about this well in advance.”

Not all colleges took part in the action as some principals are negotiating with staff over pay at local level.