LECTURERS at a south London college returned to the picket lines yesterday after months of unrelenting attacks on their pay and conditions.

The latest wave of strikes by Lambeth College workers is set to lead to all-out indefinite action in the new year.

University and College Union (UCU) members first walked out during the summer over a two-tier system of contracts, where newly employed teachers are made to work more hours for less pay.

One of the strikers - who did not want to be named, fearing victimisation - told the Star that UCU members "were trying to look after" the new teachers.

The newly employed English lecturer said that while those on the original contract could afford holidays abroad, he and other new staff couldn't even leave due to the amount of work.

"The workload is just too much at the moment, the admin especially," he added.

The dispute has been particularly bitter given college principal Mark Silverman's 13 per cent pay rise in the last year.

In comparison, workers under the new contract have lost eight days of annual leave and suffered severe cuts to their sick pay.

Strikers vowed to escalate action in the weeks to come, culminating in indefinite strike on January 19 if the dispute is not resolved.

Many have decided to show solidarity, with Lambeth College students walking out next Tuesday.

Student representative Manuel Donoso Montero said: "The conditions are changing - they are changing for the worse.

"Students pay for two full time (teachers) and get one part time."

Also supporting strikers yesterday was Labour MP John McDonnell who said: "I just want to say thanks, to be frank."

"I am so proud of what you are doing - not just for yourselves and your students but for the rest of this sector.

"You are demonstrating what you or others can do to protect living standards, contracts, conditions at work, but also the education of the students that you dedicate your lives too."

An early day motion on the dispute will be presented by the MP in Parliament today.