PAY strikes at a private international college partnered with University of Manchester were announced by the University and College Union (UCU) today.

Members working for INTO Manchester will walk out on September 25 and 30 unless management makes an improved offer above its “significant real-term cut against inflation” of 2 per cent, said the union.

UCU said that 97 per cent of its members voted to take strike action in an 83 per cent turnout ballot, pointing out the college’s £15 million dividend payouts last year.

General secretary Jo Grady said: “Even at this late stage, we hope INTO Manchester makes our members a fair offer that will allow us to resolve the dispute before going out on strike. 

“Two per cent is an insult to staff who have been working hard for students, while shareholders have taken over £20m in profits out of the system.”

The college and university were contacted for comment.