STAFF at Fife College will strike next month amidst the "worst year for industrial unrest in the college sector in living memory".

UNISON Scotland Further Education branch announced on Thursday that a further wave of action will take place in October.

It comes after more than 2000 support staff from colleges across Scotland walked out earlier this month in a dispute over pay, terms, and conditions.

College employers issued a pay offer at the end of May which UNISON says came with "a very clear threat of compulsory redundancies for college support staff".

The union says if no further movement is made then strikes will continue into the autumn and beyond.

Those taking part in strikes include librarians, IT specialists, technicians, administrative and business support staff, cleaners, canteen workers and estate management staff.

UNISON further education branch secretary Chris Greenshields said: "We are heading for the worst year for industrial unrest in the sector in living memory, if we are not there already.

"Three unions and thousands of college staff have already taken action to defend their right to a pay rise free from threat with more strike days to follow.

"There is a real danger that this dispute could go on until 2024.

"With the pay award now over a year late you might think the Scottish Government would step in to resolve the issue.

"Unfortunately, we have a minister who is refusing to deal with the single biggest issue facing the sector in years and saying he is unable or unwilling to get involved.

"College staff, students, politicians and members of the public are wondering what else can be more important than this for the Minister for Further & Higher Education.

"This needs urgent government involvement now".

UNISON members at Fife College plan to strike on October 4.