Pay strike lecturers plan a picket line at the College of West Anglia as part of a national wages dispute.

Lecturers say they have faced a virtual pay freeze for many years and with the cost of living rising felt it was important they send the strongest and loudest message possible.

The strike will take place on Tuesday November 10 but college management are confident students will not be 'adversely affected' by the action.

Local University and College Union (UCU) workplace representative Janet Hughes, said: 'Hard working further education staff at the College of West Anglia have faced a wage reduction in real terms.

'Wages have not kept pace with the cost of living. We all felt that the claim for an extra hour was appropriate.

'We know that our own management face tough choices in the current financial climate in which they have seen their budgets cut significantly by a government that doesn't appear to value the essential role that the further education sector plays across the country.

'The CWA management and governors were not able to meet the demands and therefore we have no option but to take lawful industrial action.'

A college spokesman said: 'Whilst sympathising with trade union concerns in respect of pay, college management are disappointed that UCU have decided to take this action.'

Principal David Pomfret said: 'Although we recognise the need for salaries to remain competitive, we are disappointed that UCU has called its members out to strike. Management's concern is always that strike action will impact on student learning and so remains opposed to any such action. However, we are confident that students will not be adversely affected by this action.'

UCU members at the college will be on picket lines outside the CWA Colleges from 8.30am until 10.30am.

There will be a national rally in central London taking place on the same day.