LONDON colleges could face further strikes as workers began balloting for action today in their fight for fair pay.

University College Union (UCU) said the dispute was over the alleged failure of college bosses to offer staff a decent wage rise, despite the real-terms value of pay declining by 25 per cent in the past decade.

If they vote to walk out, the staff will join a growing number of London colleges who have opposed poor pay practices.

Staff at six colleges across London walked out in November and 13 more walked out last month.

UCU head of policy Matt Waddup said: “Colleges need to understand they cannot hide behind government cuts to shirk responsibility for their staff.

“Staff have had enough of the excuses for poor pay and conditions.”

The ballot will close on Friday March 1.