FORTH VALLEY COLLEGE has confirmed their three campuses will remain open for self-directed study amid a day of national strike action taking place tomorrow.

The strikes, organised by EIS-FELA, UNISON and Unite unions, are scheduled to go ahead on Thursday, September 7.

Forth Valley College will keep the Alloa, Stirling and Falkirk campuses open for independent study but have taken the decision to cancel full time classes, supported programmes, evening classes, school partnership provision and apprenticeship programmes.

Commercial training courses and any scheduled exams will go ahead as planned, with no disruption due to take place in these areas.

The college has also confirmed the learning resource centre, refectories, gyms and salons are currently expected to remain open on Thursday.

Sarah Higgins-Rollo, FVC’s vice principal, learning and students experience, said: “Our aim is to minimise the impact on learning and teaching, wherever possible, and continue to deliver the best possible learning experiences for our students whilst a resolution is found for this national dispute.

“College Employers Scotland continue to meet with all unions in the hope they can reach agreement and avoid further industrial action.

“Our key priority is to ensure our students have every opportunity to complete their qualifications and move forward onto their next steps.

“It also has to be noted that no student will be disadvantaged in regards to their bursary, childcare or EMA funding as a consequence of the industrial action.”

In addition to the strike action. EIS-FELA are currently undertaking Action Short of Strike (ASOS). This means that all those participating may not undertake goodwill activities above and beyond existing duties, such as overtime.

They may not also share exam or assessment results with the college or any other organisation.

Sarah added: “We are continuing to put steps in place to address this action and minimise the impact on students.

“We took the decision earlier in the summer to progress all students who were continuing their studies at FVC this session who were impacted by the resulting boycott.

“Furthermore, we have also been working tirelessly with our university partners to minimise the impact of ASOS on our students progressing to university.

“We are delighted that many of our students now have confirmed p[laces and for those still waiting on confirmation of their place, rest assured, we are still working on your behalf to help you secure your place.

“We are also working directly with our employer partners to ensure that our apprentices are not disadvantaged by the resulting boycott.

“Lastly, for all students waiting on their certificate, once results are entered, you will receive your official certificate directly from the SQA or other awarding body.

“We hope that a resolution is reached soon.”

In addition to tomorrow’s strike action, a further day of localised action is due to take place on Wednesday, September 13.