MANAGEMENT at a south London college resorted to ludicrous measures to break a strike yesterday, offering “free lunches” to staff willing to cross the picket lines.

According to University and College Union members, the principal at Lambeth College was left with little but petty bribes after workers walked out indefinitely on Monday.

“This desperate stunt from the college aimed at reducing support for UCU’s strike proves the old adage that there is no such thing as a free lunch,” said UCU regional official Una O’Brien.

Alongside new management, principal Mark Silverman wants to impose new contracts onto staff which would add up to substantial loss of pay through longer hours and fewer holidays.

“We will suspend our action if the college will suspend the contracts,” added Ms O’Brien.

Meanwhile, Unison members at the college have also met with management as they they too prepare to go on strike for two days next week.

Speaking to the Star Lambeth Unison vice-chairman Dan Jeffery said that Mr Silverman’s insistence that the two unions were divided in their struggle was pathetic.

“Our aims are the same in terms of preventing a two-tier workforce,” Mr Jeffery said.

Both UCU and Unison have been quick to note that the college’s projected savings from these cuts amounts to little more than £20,000 a year.

“Peanuts!” added Mr Jeffery in disgust. “Taking tax on people’s sick pay for such a small sum is something out of Victorian times.”

The UCU’s indefinite strike — which is into its fourth day — was supported by 90 per cent of the staff balloted.