College strike could hit grades

Students at colleges in Scotland are in “a state of panic” as an on-going industrial dispute means their grades may not be formally submitted by lecturers taking part in planned strike action.

It could see those aiming to go on to university in the new academic year miss the deadline set by applications body UCAS if they are unable to complete their coursework.

Sinead Mcdougall, a mature student at West College in Clydebank, said there was panic among her classmates when the EISFELA union announced last week that more strikes and other action, which may mean students will not get the results of assessments, was planned for May.

The union is unhappy with a pay rise on offer – a 2 per cent consolidated rise covering three years.

Ms Mcdougall, a mother-of-three, said any delay in applying for university could scupper plans for mature students with other commitments.

The EIS told The Scotsman it remained confident a deal could still be reached and the industrial action avoided.

The Colleges Scotland Employers’ Association said it was “extremely disappointed” that some lecturers were “recklessly gambling” with students’ futures.