Strike action has been called off at a college with sites in Rochdale and Middleton, while staff at Oldham College carry out two more days of strikes this week.

Staff at Hopwood Hall College were due to strike today (Tuesday, June 7) and on Friday, June 10, but called off the strike after overwhelmingly voting to accept a new pay offer.

The pay offer for 2021-22 amounts to 6.49 per cent for staff, while lecturers on the lowest salaries will see an increase of 7.52 per cent.

While a deal has been made at Hopwood Hall College, strikes are still taking place this week at four other colleges in the North West, including Oldham College.

READ MORE: Drivers honk horns in support of striking Oldham College staff

Those on strike are represented by University and College Union (UCU), who have said they are demanding a significant pay increase "to make up for more than a decade of below inflation pay offers" and to help its members during the cost of living crisis.

It is understood the union is aiming to get an 8.5 per cent pay rise for workers.

UCU says that pay in further education has fallen at least 25 per cent behind inflation since 2009 and the pay gap between school and college students is around £9,000.

The union says employers should reward their staff fairly and prevent them from being hit even harder by the cost of living crisis.

Hopwood Hall College is the second college to call off their strikes, after Bury College came to an agreement with staff last month over a significant pay offer.

However, Oldham College, along with Burnley College, City of Liverpool College and Manchester College, will all see strike action continue to be carried out this week.

UCU regional official Martyn Moss said: "We welcome Hopwood Hall College’s pay offer to our members in recognition of their dedication to the college and its students.

"We are calling on the four colleges across the North West of England facing strike action today and later this week to look to Hopwood Hall and Bury College.

"Colleges need to work with us to get staff the pay rise they deserve so we can avoid any further disruption."

Oldham College declined to make any further comment when approached.

Hopwood Hall College has been contacted for a comment about the update.