| NEU members working in 34 sixth form colleges or 16-19 academies are today on strike to demand more funding for their colleges. Many will attend a rally at Parliament Square in Westminster at 1pm, followed by a march to the Department for Education. The NEU is in dispute with the Secretary of State and seeking improved pay, conditions and employment through better funding for 16-19 education. There is currently an overall shortfall of at least £700 million in funding for Post 16 Education which the NEU wants to see rectified in the forthcoming Budget. NEU joint general secretary Dr Mary Bousted said: “16-19 education has suffered brutally under successive Conservative governments, and the funding increases announced before the election fall at least £700m short of what is needed. The trajectory is unchanged: jobs are being cut, class sizes are rising, and pay is falling. ” “Striking is always a last resort but our members know that the future of the sector is at threat and it is students’ education that will continue to suffer.” |