LECTURERS at 89 colleges are to ballot on strike action after a survey by their union revealed today a “workforce in crisis” in further education.

The survey of 2,000 members of the University and College Union (UCU) at colleges in England found that 96 per cent of lecturers were struggling financially because of low wages and 79 per cent said that financial problems were affecting their mental health.

Almost half — 46 per cent — said their income does not cover their cost of living, 67 per cent heat their homes less frequently, 27 per cent are skipping meals and 6 per cent have had to use foodbanks.

The UCU said the employers’ organisation the Association of Colleges (AoC) has so far refused to propose a pay increase for 2023/24 even though colleges will receive at least £700 million more funding over the coming year than three years ago.

UCU general secretary Jo Grady said: “This survey lays bare why our members will be voting in huge numbers to take strike action. 

“College staff are the beating heart of our communities and transform the life chances of hundreds of thousands of students every year. 

“But they are struggling to survive and pay is so low it is harming their mental health.

“Pay and conditions are so bad, many staff are considering leaving further education.

“The money has now arrived to pay our members fairly. Those who lead our colleges need to start respecting staff properly and give them the decent salaries and manageable workloads they deserve.”

The ballot runs from tomorrow until Tuesday October 10.