A college has become the first to introduce a four-day week because of rising energy costs.
South Essex College, which has campuses in Basildon, Southend and Thurrock, has announced plans to close classrooms on Fridays as it seeks to make savings amid cost rises.
The college, which provides courses for students aged from 14 up to undergraduates and adults, said that students would continue to receive the same number of hours of face-to-face learning, with lessons taking place between Monday and Thursday.
