NEW College students faced disruption yesterday as lecturers went on strike over pay and working conditions.

The one-day strike was the beginning of a national campaign of industrial action to close the pay gap between further education lecturers and school teachers.

It was staged to support the University and College Lecturers' Union (NATFHE) claim for an increase of £3,000 a year for all lecturers and managers.

Although the Peakman Street college remained open, it was expected some classes would be affected by the strike.

But a college spokesman said about 90 per cent of employees were not members of NATFHE and were working as usual.

Lecturer and union representative Ian Webster said: "The union is demanding that the £3,000 is the first step in a staged award that will close the gap in less than four years.

"College lecturers' pay is 10 per cent behind that of school teachers.

"During national pay talks between the union and the employers' body, only a three per cent increase was offered for this year.

"The strike will be followed by other disruptive non-strike action to be decided at the end of the month."

NEW College principal Neil Bromley said he sympathised with the frustration of union members over Government policy.

Unlike schools, colleges have to find funds for annual pay awards from their own resources, since additional money was not provided by the Government.

Mr Bromley said: "Colleges are not funded to allow an annual cost of living pay increase to their staff and salaries in the sector have, in many instances, fallen behind those offered in schools and universities.

"I hope the new Government will create a level playing field for public sector workers to ensure colleges can reward their staff."