Pay rise and shorter working week win for Isle of Wight college staff

UNISON members at Isle of Wight College are celebrating this month after their local branch reached an agreement that gives them a substantial pay rise and also reduces their working week by two hours with no loss of pay.

Isle of Wight branch secretary Mark Chiverton (pictured) said: “Following extensive discussions with Isle of Wight FE College management over many months, including a consultative ballot on possible industrial action by UNISON members employed at the College, the Isle of Wight Local Government Branch and the UNISON South East region have recently negotiated a positive package of measures on pay and conditions for all support staff.”

“Congratulations are due to UNISON members for their strong stand in demonstrating a willingness to be balloted on strike action; this was a massive source of strength and support to stewards, branch officers and our regional organiser in key meetings with management”

The agreed proposals represent a significant improvement on the College’s original offer and include:

• Full implementation of the Association of College’s recommended 4% pay increase for 2025/26
• An additional 1% non-consolidated increase backdated for one year
• A reduction of 2 hours in the contractual working week for all full-time staff (pro-rata for part time employees) with no loss of pay
• The development of a College Workload Charter
• Ongoing joint work on pay benchmarking over the next 12 months to inform the future pay structure
• One additional Wellbeing Support day to be added to annual leave for the 2026/27 academic year

UNISON South East regional organiser Patrick Young said: “This is no less than our members deserve and I’d like to thank the college for their constructive approach to the talks.

“In particular, we are confident that, thanks to the extensive research and preparation enacted by the college management, the reduction in hours will be accompanied by a genuine reduction in workload.

“Mark and his members have done a brilliant job and this is testament to what can be achieved by taking a strong and reasoned approach to negotiations.”

Head of People and Culture at The Isle of Wight College Cheryl Blackley said: “The Isle of Wight College welcomes the agreement reached and values its constructive relationship with UNISON and their representatives. The College looks forward to continuing our positive and collaborative work together.”

Thank you to all those involved in this reaching this agreement, which is a great example of what can be achieved when unions and their employers work together for the benefit of all staff!