THE threat of escalating strike action at Ayrshire College has been averted, with a suspended lecturer set to return to work.

Ian Cochrane was pulled from his duties at the college’s Kilwinning Campus two weeks ago over “student complaints”.

The action was taken as the EIS Further Education Lecturer’s Association branch secretary was helping to lead a strike at the campus over new working arrangements.

And the union branded the move “inflammatory” and threatened to spread the strike to every campus in Ayrshire unless he was reinstated.

The college, however, insisted the suspension had nothing to do with the strike action.

But on Tuesday, the college and the EIS issued a joint statement confirming Mr Cochrane – a computer gaming lecturer and an SNP councillor for South Ayrshire – would be returning to work.

EIS General Secretary, Larry Flanagan said “I am pleased our member has been reinstated following the completion of an investigation. EIS will continue to support the member through any disciplinary process.” Heather Dunk, Principal of Ayrshire College said “The investigation is now complete and the employee will return to college.

“The disciplinary process will continue in line with college policy.” Mr Cochrane was due to return to work at the Irvine Times went to press.

The EIS had balloted its members at the college to request an escalation of industrial action to reinstate the suspended member of staff. The EIS Emergency Committee were due to meet on Tuesday to confirm that the ballot had been withdrawn.

The EIS members had already taken a vote of no confidence in college principal Ms Dunk.