SUPPORT Staff from Ayr College have taken a step closer to industrial action to reject a one per cent pay rise that was due earlier this year.

Unison Scotland, the main union for the sector has recommended the rejection of the employers' final offer.

Further Education members from the union including admission staff, student suport, librarians, instructors, receptionists, caterers and cleaners - were balloted on a 2015 pay rise last Thursday.

This means that members will decide whether or not to strike.

Chris Greenshields, UNISON Chairperson for further education, said: “This final offer is a slap in the face for further education support staff who have been working all hours to maintain college services for students in the face of job cuts and mergers.

“We have been arguing that all staff in the sector should receive the same flat rate pay rise. We want an end to the unfair system of percentage rises.”

Unison, as well as the lecturers' unison EIS/FELA, is angry at the lengthy delay in the whole pay negotiating progress and the conduct of the employers' side in this first ever round of Scottish wide neogotiations.

This is the final pay offer alongside a £300 flat rate for those earning under £21,000. It replaces the previous risible offer of a one per cent consolidated pay award.

The offer falls well short of UNISON's claim of £1000 for all which they belive is fair and would begin to address the deep seated and longstanding pay variances across the 26 Scottish colleges.

It also means that those earning between £21,000 and £30,000 would receive between £210 and £299 per annum extra.

John Gallacher, Unison Scottish organiser, added: “Unison Scotland is seeking an urgent meeting with Angela Constance, Education Minister, to discuss this crisis.

“Hard working support staff in further education are struggling to buy their weekly grocery shop in a sector that promotes reward through education and hard work, our members are being let down by College Principals and Boards.”