UNIONS representing staff across the board at West Somerset College are arranging a meeting next week with the chairman of governors following a strongly-worded letter they recently sent to governors recording a vote of no confidence in them.

They also expressed concern about Bridgwater College Academy Trust, called for a public meeting over the issues, and warned that industrial action could be taken.

They have also called for the transfer of the College to Bridgwater College Academy Trust in January to be delayed until Easter so that procedures can be correctly followed.

The letter was sent to governors’ chairman Anne Looney after a meeting of 63 staff voted “overwhelmingly” on a number of issues.

It was signed on their behalf by four union and professional organisations ... representing a range of people from teachers to support to administration staff.

Another estimated 30 union members are also involved but could not attend the meeting, and a fifth organisation, the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) which represents management, is also believed to have raised concerns about procedures, although it was not part of the meeting.

Depending on the response they receive to their concerns, the letter said industrial action including strikes would not be ruled out ...

Full story in today’s Free Press