Fed up teachers at Lewisham Southwark College are striking for the second day running after not having a pay rise in 10 years. 

Staff say their wages have shrunk by 27 per cent after years of cuts.

Chairman of the University and College Union, Brad Grisdale, said the education provider will be in a “serious state in terms of its ability to be do what it needs to do” if a solution is not sorted.

Strikers claim the chief executive of NCG, who manages the college, earns £278,000.00 a year while they continue to get poorer.

Mr Grisdale told News Shopper: “I am concerned we will have to push further and do more striking to get them to move.

“I think they want to make it as long as slow as they can.

“We will keep struggling and fighting for it. We have problems retaining good teachers and problems recruiting young people because of the situation.”

Teachers are demanding a pay rise and London weighting and increments as part of their salary.

Some have said they have to consider working elsewhere because of the expensive nature of living in London.

Over 90 per cent of lecturers voted in favour of industrial action, and have asked for a pay rise of three per cent.

Talking about the strike, Mr Grisdale added: "It is going extremely well. We have councillors and MPs here supporting us."

University and College Union held a meeting with NCG bosses on Tuesday, May 22, but no pay rise was offered.

A spokesman for Lewisham Southwark College said: "NCG is committed to working in collaboration with UCU, and we always try to find a resolution acceptable to all parties as outlined in our partnership agreement wherever that is possible.

"We of course respect the right of trade union members to participate in strike action following a ballot.

"Our first duty is always to our students and the college will work to minimise any impact during strike action."