Members of the University and Colleges Union (UCU) at Bradford College have given their backing to strike action in a dispute over plans to cut jobs and change contracts.

Almost nine in 10 members (88 per cent) who voted backed strike action on a turnout of 61 per cent. UCU said the strong mandate for strike action should focus the college on working with the union to resolve the dispute and avoid serious disruption.

Bradford College has announced plans to cut 75 jobs as part of an effort to tackle a funding deficit after the college was issued with a financial notice to improve in March.

UCU regional official Julie Kelley said: “Bradford College can be in no doubt about how angry their staff are at plans to cut jobs.

“Strike action is always a last resort, but staff clearly feel they have been left with no alternative. We hope the colleges will respond positively to these strong mandates for action and work with us to resolve matters without the need for disruption”.

The union added that if the college refused to engage, then it would announce strike dates.