A STRIKE which was due to affect Fife College students tomorrow (Wednesday) has been suspended.

Colleges Scotland welcomed the decision however has expressed disappointment that industrial action short of strike action is to continue which will include withholding students’ assessment results and the strikes on May 15 and 16.

The Educational Institute of Scotland’s Further Education Lecturers’ Association (EIS-FELA) are campaigning for a "fair cost of living pay increase" and have already taken action in January,  February and March.

The suspension of tomorrow's action means Fife College will now be open as normal and exams will go ahead as planned.

John Gribben, Director of Employment Services at Colleges Scotland Employers’ Association, was pleased that tomorrow's industrial action will not be taking place.

"While we are moving closer to reaching a deal, we recognise there is more work to be done," he said. "We’re disappointed that the EIS-FELA continues to target the students by withholding their assessment results and has not called off strike days scheduled for Wednesday, May 15 and Thursday, May 16.

“Colleges have made a further improved financial offer to the EIS-FELA subject to agreement on terms and conditions. We believe lecturers would accept the deal and have asked the EIS-FELA to take our offer to its members for approval.

“Lecturers in Scotland are by far the best paid in the UK, and the pay harmonisation rises from 2017 to 2020, combined with the improved pay offer on the table from colleges, equate to a national average increase of well over £5,000 – or more than 12%.

“Lecturers have also had significant improvements in terms and conditions over the same 2017-20 pay dispute period, including an enviable 62 days’ holiday per year and a reduction in class contact time to 23 hours per week, so they are well paid, have terrific terms and conditions, and we believe this further improved offer would be accepted by their members.”