UNIVERSITY staff will be on strike once again today in an ongoing row over pay.

The Unison and UCU unions are taking joint action and are looking to cause disruption to campuses across the county as part of an escalating programme of national action which has already seen four strikes.

Lectures at Southampton Solent university, the University of Southampton and the University of Winchester could be affected.

Union leaders say members’ resolve has been hardened following the publication of pay awards made to University vice-chancellors while teaching staff were offered 1 per cent.

Winchester Branch Chair, Mick Jardine, said: “We are fed up with management telling us they can’t afford to give their colleagues a pay rise when they reward themselves massive rises year after year.”

UCU Southampton president, Dr Eric Silverman, said: “Staff are angry they’ve had to endure real-terms pay cuts while those at the top continue to enjoy healthy rises. Research shows that our universities are performing at the very top on the global stage, yet our staff are being paid far less than those in other countries. It’s time for fair pay for all in our universities.”

A further strike is planned on Monday.