THE principal of a Taunton college where staff are striking this week has warned of a potential "serious crisis in the very near future".

Emma Fielding, of Richard Huish College, says it is understandable teachers and support staff are simply asking for their salaries to keep up with inflation.

Due to real terms pay decreases, staff are leaving the profession in droves, says Ms Fielding.

Richard Huish College will remain open on Wednesday (November 30) despite the walkout over pay by members of the National Education Union (NEU).

Ms Fielding said: "Staff at Richard Huish College are hardworking, highly skilled professionals who have made extraordinary efforts in recent years to continue to provide high quality education in the face of enormous difficulties.

"Teacher and support staff pay has been eroded for many years now as a result of chronic government underfunding.

"All they are understandably asking for is an increase which will see them sustain their salaries in real terms.

"For teachers at Huish strike action is an absolute last resort and a decision that no educator ever takes lightly.

"Schools and colleges sadly just do not have the resources to meet teacher pay demands unless they are, as they should and must be, funded by the Government.

"Sixth form colleges find themselves in an especially difficult situation, as they remain funded at a lower rate than schools and universities.

"The Government has a responsibility to ensure that teacher pay, along with that of other public sector workers, rises in line with inflation and the cost of living.

"Staff are leaving the profession in record numbers and unless we place much greater value on the critical work that they do in nurturing, developing and shaping our next generations we will find ourselves in serious crisis in the very near future."

Ms Fielding added: "Despite the strike action the college will be open as usual with all learning areas accessible to students.

"Individuals should check directly with their teachers to ascertain if they will be affected by the industrial action."

Ian McCann, senior regional officer for the National Education Union (NEU), said the teachers had effectively seen a 20 per cent pay dip since 2010.

.He added: "Below inflation pay increases are simply unacceptable to our members.

"Strike action is always taken with great regret, but the sentiment of NEU members is very clear - enough is enough."

READ MORE: Union announces staff strike at Richard Huish College.