WARRINGTON & Vale Royal College has hit back at Union claims that 94 % of staff have voted for strike action over a pay dispute.
The University and College Union (UCU) say an overwhelming 94% of staff at Warrington and Vale Royal College backed strike action in a ballot with a turnout of 75%, comprising only 81 staff in favour, all of whom are members of UCU (around 18% of the college’s total staffing body of 450).
Following the Union’s announcement claiming the vote represented staff anger at no pay award for 12 months the college’s principal and Chief Executive Nichola Newton responded saying:
“The college takes its financial responsibilities very seriously and has taken all necessary steps to control pay and non-pay costs in a very challenging economic environment. The college made a 0.5% pay award to staff in August 2024, although it has not been possible to offer a further pay award in the last academic year without damaging the college’s financial health. Like many other colleges in the sector, UCU notified the college of a trade dispute in this regard in May 2025.
Along with college staff, UCU has been appraised of the college’s financial situation in detail throughout the year, outlining the college’s position in the context of unprecedented, continuing uncertainty about funding in-year and into the next. In this context, it is indeed unfortunate that the college has been unable to engage in constructive negotiations with UCU such that the ongoing trade dispute could be settled.
It is regrettable that we have had cause, once again, to correct inaccurate and misleading information reported by UCU and, subsequently, in local media. Some 81 staff, all of whom are members of UCU, out of a total staffing body of 450 (18%), have voted in favour of industrial action as a result of the ongoing trade dispute. UCU reports of college surpluses are wildly overstated.
The college intends to embark upon meaningful discussions with UCU with a view to settling the pay claim speedily for 2025/26, whilst also considering the college’s position in 2024/25. The college values the positive working relationship with UCU and is committed to working with them now, as always, in the best interests of all staff at the college.
As ever, the preservation of the college’s long-term financial sustainability, maintenance of our respected and trusted position in the communities we serve and our continued ability to provide excellent education and skills training are of paramount importance.”
The threat of strike action follows on from the College having to regrettably announce 17 staff redundancies due to the ongoing financial pressures.
