STRIKE turmoil is set to disrupt Accrington and Rossendale College next week.

Lecturers union NATFHE has voted two-to-one in favour of strike action in an escalating dispute over the introduction of new working conditions for part-time lecturers.

Action could start from next Tuesday during an inspection week at the college and an indefinite strike is not being ruled out.

An overwhelming majority of staff who voted in the postal ballot also said "yes" to other industrial action, which could include sanctions and a work-to-rule.

A full union meeting was planned for today to discuss the details but NATFHE say "last resort" strike action could still be avoided. The row flared after 341 part-time staff were sent redundancy notices and told to sign up with employment agency ELS if they wanted to work at the college.

A NATFHE spokesman said: "Even now we plead with the governors and principal to suspend the use of ELS, withdraw their redundancy notices and sit down and negotiate with us.

"The last thing we want and students need is a strike but we know ELS is disrupting students' education as we speak."

NATFHE claims the agency cannot provide enough staff and that 50 classes have not had teachers since term started.

A total of 105 ballot papers were issued, of which 54 were returned.

The vote was 47 to 7 in favour of taking action short of a strike, and 36 to 18 in favour of strike action.

Only full-time and permanent staff were balloted. Part-time lecturers were not eligible to vote.

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