Listen to this story Members can listen to an AI-generated audio version of this article. 1.0x Audio narration uses an AI-generated voice. 0:00 0:00 Become a member to listen to this article Subscribe Teachers at a Cumbrian college have threatened to take industrial action over “excessive” workloads and stress. Members of the University and College Union at Lakes College have voted for a formal dispute with their employer, which could escalate to strike action unless “meaningful” negotiations take place. UCU said the vote stemmed from ongoing issues around college leaders making changes to timetables and weekly teaching hours without consulting staff unions. FE Week has asked the union how many of the college’s 300-strong workforce are UCU members. It comes as the union is preparing a collective nationwide ballot of college staff as a new strategy to secure better pay and conditions for FE teachers across England. A UCU spokesperson claimed teachers at Lakes College were struggling with “excessive” weekly hours combined with the rise in learner numbers, particularly for those teaching maths and English. The union also claimed “lots” of lecturers are being asked to teach outside their subject areas without notice or cover plan. Principal and CEO of Lakes College Mark Fell admitted there was “some disruption” at the start of the academic year due to a change in its student record system, but any teething issues have since been resolved. “We are disappointed that UCU has taken this direction while early and constructive discussions with the union are still ongoing,” he said. “We recognise that there was some disruption at the beginning of the academic year, with systems changes introduced to improve the experience for both our students and staff. We have worked collaboratively with staff to review individual timetables and work patterns.” A college spokesperson added that it was normal practice for staff to cover lessons across the college but they are “very rare” occasions and are not “widespread practice”. Fell added that the college had introduced staff voice and wellbeing initiatives over the last 12 months to be “mindful” of workloads at the start of a busy academic year. He said: “We value our relationship with UCU and remain committed to working constructively with union representatives and the wider staff to address the issues raised and seek a positive way forward. Throughout this process, we will remain focused on our students and ensuring they continue to receive a positive, high-quality experience at Lakes College.” UCU general secretary Jo Grady said: “Industrial action is a last resort for our members, but this vote to enter a formal dispute shows that they have had enough and are ready to fight. “Staff and students shouldn’t have to suffer the chaos at Lakes College, and management must change direction and work with us to get things right for staff and students, or potentially face disruption in the coming months.”