Lecturers strike for better pay and working conditions
The action follows the decision by University and College Union members to turn down an offer of a 2.5% pay rise
Last updated 15th Jan 2026
Hundreds of students could be facing disruption across the South Coast over the next few days, as lecturers walk out on strike for better pay and working conditions.
The action follows the decision by University and College Union members to turn down an offer of a 2.5% pay rise.
They say the 2.5% pay rise doesn't meet aspirations of members on pay, workload. and with insufficient movement on a review of local pay scales.
Rachael Parker, a lecturer at the City of Portsmouth College and Chair of the regional University and College Union, said: "All the skills that teachers bring to their role is not being reflected in our pay.
"Over the past 15 years, college lecturers have suffered a loss of over 40% in real terms.
"I went on maternity leave 20 years ago with my daughter, and only in the past two years has my pay actually gone above when I left.
"So it'd make a massive difference to us, and I think it would just give us parity of esteem with school teachers, which we don't have."
Staff will be striking on Wednesday 14th January, Thursday 15th January and Friday 16th January on picket lines from 8am until 10am on each day of the action.
Across the South Coast, staff at Bournemouth and Poole College of FE, Isle of Wight College and City of Portsmouth College will be taking part in the industrial action.
We spoke to Matt Phelps, Deputy CEO and Principal at City of Portsmouth College.
He said: "The college has engaged with the two unions in hopes of resolution and will continue to do so.
"We do really, truly value our staff.
"The college has alternative learning arrangements in place for all our students whose lessons may be impacted by the staff striking, and is doing everything it can to minimise the impact on our students.
"While the college understands the Union's position, it has implemented positive strides to improve conditions for its staff over the past three years, particularly across work-life balance.
"The college remains committed to creating a working environment that's inclusive, aspirational and accommodating to all of its staff, and a learning environment that encourages all of its students to define their brilliance."