A total of 20 out of 70 members of staff at Lowestoft Sixth Form College (L6FC) have given notice that they intend to strike tomorrow (Wednesday).

It comes in response to the recommended L6FC merger with East Coast College (ECC), with the members of the NASUWT teaching union at the sixth form college set for strike action tomorrow and on additional dates in July.

A L6FC spokesman said a final decision 'has not yet been made' as to whether the merger will go ahead. Ahead of the final decision, the teacher's union NASUWT held a ballot of its 20 members at L6FC – there are 70 members of staff in total at the college – and have given notice of their intention to strike on six dates, starting tomorrow.

David Gartland, principal at L6FC, said: 'It is very disappointing that the NASUWT union feel it necessary to take this action and I hope that they will reconsider in the light of the actual terms of transfer that are being negotiated. If we proceed with the merger, the terms and conditions of existing staff will not change, and they are protected under TUPE.'

In preparation for strike action on Wednesday (June 27) normal timetabled lessons at L6FC have been cancelled and a series of non-compulsory drop in sessions have been organised for students instead. These sessions will be run by non-striking teachers and pastoral tutors, support staff and careers advisors.