College strike on GCSE results day.

STUDENTS at a South Wales college have been reassured GCSE results day will go ahead as planned today despite a one-day strike by staff.

Teachers at Ystrad Mynach College in Hengoed are taking the action over plans to alter the length and number of lessons.

It comes after 75% of members of the University and College Union (UCU) voted for strike action. Picket lines will be held at the Rhymney and Ystrad Mynach sites of the college.

The college has proposed cutting lessons from one hour to 50 minutes and increasing the number of lessons taught each week by lecturers from 23 to 27. The union has vowed to fight the plans.

Deputy principal David Finch said: "It is not anticipated that there will be any impact on students receiving GCSE results. The vast majority of students who attend the college take qualifications other than GCSEs." Paul Ford, chairman of the college's UCU branch, said the union was left with no alternative but to take the action, which he claimed would result in a "devastating impact on the quality of education for students".

He said: "We regret having to take this action but have been left with no choice by the college.

"We have to take a stand to protect the quality of education at Ystrad Mynach and to ensure that our students are given the time they deserve with staff."

Andrew Jarvis, head of human resources and clerk to governors at the college, said: "On this occasion our proposals have been introduced to ensure we avoid compulsory redundancies this year and enable us to recruit and retain expert staff with a pay award which this year is likely to be 2.3%. Further discussions with UCU are always welcome."