DOZENS of lecturers are expected to strike at Barnet College tomorrow as a dispute over pay and pensions intensifies.

Members of the University and College Union at the college will set up pickets outside the Wood Street and Grahame Park campuses all day.

More than 200 lecturers, support staff and managers are expected to join the action, which comes as the Government proposes widespread changes to the pension provision for public sector workers.

They are also angry at a pay offer of 0.4 per cent next year, well below the level of inflation.

Bosses are currently looking to shed around 20 per cent of staff at the college, which is looking to merge with Southgate College, because of cuts to Government grants.

UCU general secretary, Sally Hunt, said: “The attacks on staff's pensions, pay and job security have created real anger throughout the sector and instead of burying their heads in the sand the employers need to respond urgently to UCU's attempts to negotiate.”

But, college principal Marilyn Hawkins pledged the college will remain open and they would “seek to minimise any disruption to students or staff not taking part in this action”.

She added: “We are very sympathetic with all staff who seem likely to face unwelcome changes in the pension arrangements due to an ongoing government review of public sector pensions, but, as there are no firm proposals on the table yet, it is surely premature to take action of this type at this time.

"In any event, any argument staff have over this issue is with the Government, not the college or our students, so I can't help thinking other lobby, or democratic methods, would be more effective."