South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth has commented on the news that support staff Dumfries and Galloway College are set to go on strike on Thursday.

Support staff who are members of the union Unison will be on strike on 7 September and lecturers who are EIS-Fela union will walk out over a dispute over pay and terms and conditions on 21 September.

The South Scotland MSP will join striking workers protesting at the Scottish Parliament on Thursday during the first day of strike action.

Colin Smyth said: “The current cost of living crisis, following on the back of the terrible years of pandemic, have left many people struggling to make ends meet.

“No-one wants to go on strike but unless employers make meaningful pay deals, people have no choice.

“College support staff and lecturers have been waiting a long time for resolution to this dispute over pay and conditions  – it’s just not acceptable.

“I have stood on many picket lines in solidarity with workers these past few years and I will continue to fully support those who feel they must go on strike.

“I would urge the Scottish Government to properly fund a deal and start paying staff a decent wage as that is the only action which will prevent more disruption.”