EVESHAM College could be hit by further industrial action, if the demands of strikers who picketed the college are not met.

About a dozen members of university and college teachers' union, the National Association of Teachers in Further and Higher Education (NATFHE) braved the cold last Thursday over claims that a pay deal has been unfairly delayed.

Meanwhile, about six union members protested outside Long Lartin jail, which employs teachers from Evesham College to run its education service.

Regional official of NATFHE Chris May said the strike was intended to highlight the gap between the wages of school teachers and college lecturers. "The focus of this action was the 3.5 per cent pay increase which should have been backdated to last year."

He added that he had written to Principal of the college David Blades to ask for negotiations. "Otherwise there will be a second phase of action working to contract - this would disrupt the college while minimising disruption to students."

David Blades said the action had a minimal effect on the college. "It was pretty much as we anticipated. There were some classes affected but they will all be rescheduled - so no damage done really."

Tutors at Long Lartin Jail, contracted out by Evesham College to teach prisoners, were also out on the picket lines on Thursday. Prison spokesman Gary Nicholls said there were about six pickets outside the jail. "From our point of view we were still able to run some reduced education that day."