Legal threat to university and college after ‘striking lecturers’ pay docked’

The University and College Union (UCU) is running a national campaign of industrial action in protest over a one per cent pay rise offer made by higher education employers.

However, Bradford University and the Leeds College of Art are among 11 institutions nationally which are being singled out for longer strikes because of the way staff’s pay was docked during an earlier two-hour stoppage.

Staff at both institutions will be taking part in a day-long strike today while most others are being hit by industrial action only between 9am and 11am.

UCU general secretary Sally Hunt said: “We will be launching a legal challenge to win back money we believe has been unlawfully deducted and, unless the employers finally sit down and start talking about a fair pay increase, further disruption, unfortunately, is to be expected.”

Leeds College of Art declined to comment yesterday.

A Bradford University spokeswoman said: “We are expecting minimal disruption and plans have been put in place to ensure the university is open as usual.

“These plans are based on the impact of previous strike action and we are working hard to ensure that the experience of our students is not affected.”

The UCU’s national dispute is with the Universities and Colleges Employers Association over the one per cent offer which has been rejected.