Oxford Brookes University could face strikes this term

The University and College Union (UCU) has said 10 universities could face walkouts in disputes over pensions, pay and conditions.

It comes after staff at 58 institutions took part in a three-day strike last month.

The union’s higher education committee will meet this week to consider next steps and possible dates for action at 68 UK universities.

See also: Oxford researchers find memory loss can carry on months after Covid

In addition to Oxford Brookes, universities which could now face strike action this term include Newcastle, Swansea and the University of London.

The reballots came after a number of branches originally fell short of the 50 per cent turnout threshold required by law for industrial action to go ahead.

UCU general secretary Jo Grady said: “Employers, who have demonstrated superhuman levels of intransigence during these disputes, have no-one else to blame but themselves for the position the sector finds itself in.

“We truly hope that further disruption can be avoided – that is what staff and students alike all want.

“But this is entirely in the gift of employers who simply need to revoke their devastating pension cuts and take long overdue action over deteriorating pay and working conditions.”

Read more: Anxiety revealed as word of the year for children

The UCU claims that cuts to the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) pensions scheme would reduce the guaranteed retirement income of a typical member by 35 per cent.

It also suggests that pay for university staff has fallen by around a fifth after 12 years of below inflation pay offers.

The union is demanding that cuts to the pensions scheme are revoked and members offered a £2,500 pay increase, as well as action to tackle ‘unmanageable workloads’ and ‘insecure contracts’.

Oxford Brookes has been approached for comment.