That forum is the focal point of the problems of the further education sector. The Association of Colleges can field up to eight representatives from colleges at the national joint negotiating forum, plus its own officials. At the October meeting, it sent only five. Natfhe has eight representatives, plus its officials. The ATL and the ACM have two each.
Some principals agree with the unions.
It should be saying to the government that more money has to go into the basic pay of lecturers. The Association of Colleges did not return telephone calls inviting them to comment.