EMPLOYEES of St Helens College formed picket lines this morning on a one-day strike over a zero per cent pay rise.

Staff members joined representatives of two unions - UNISON and the University and College Union (UCU) - outside the college's Water Street campus this morning.

A picket line is also outside the college's technology campus on Pocket Nook Street. Staff are striking in response to the zero per cent pay offer made by the employers' organisation the Association of Colleges for the 2015/16 year.

St Helens College is believed to employ around 600 people on its two campuses and union members told the Star that the majority of staff have gone on today's strike.

"We are out for pay, we've been made a pay offer which is extremely poor and borderline insulting," said Cllr Jeanie Bell, who is a public services lecturer at the college.

"Wages are not rising with inflation and the staff here work really hard and above and beyond what's expected. I don't think it's much to expect fair pay.

"We feel we had no other option but to take this action. When you get the Association of Colleges making offers of zero per cent you've got no choice.

"I think Unison and the UCU working together sends a really strong sign and the response from students and members of the public has been really supportive today."

Maria Moss, regional organiser for UNISON, added: "Members have voted overwhelmingly for this action, other public bodies have been given at least a one per cent rise.

"We have had a good response from the students and the public."

A spokesperson for St Helens College confirmed the college has remained open today and has done "the utmost to minimise the impact on students".