Lecturers act in pensions dispute

Members of the University and College Union (UCU) in 67 universities across the country, including Bradford, Hull, Leeds, Sheffield and York, will “work to contract”.

The action, including working to contracted hours and refusing to cover for colleagues, could escalate into strikes. The union warned that a million students could be hit if the industrial action is stepped up in the bitter dispute over the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS).

Around 40,000 UCU members are affected by the dispute, with the union saying changes introduced at the start of the month will see them paying more to work longer, with less protection if they lose their job. The row is separate from the pensions dispute affecting millions of public sector workers which will lead to a day of action on November 30.

UCU general secretary Sally Hunt said: “We are keen to resolve this dispute as quickly as possible with minimal disruption. However, you cannot negotiate with an empty chair.”

A Universities and Colleges Employers Association spokesman said: “The changes to the scheme were approved by the USS Trustee Board, which includes UCU representation, on June 9.”