STAFF at the University of Worcester are today taking part in a two-day strike as part of an ongoing pay dispute.

Members of the University and College Union (UCU) have walked out in opposition to a 1.1 per cent pay rise offered by the employer body, the Universities and Colleges Employer Association.

The union has said this is less than universities can afford to pay and is calling for staff pay increases to match those of vice-chancellors.

The Worcester News understands fewer than five staff members have walked out during the industrial action which will last until tomorrow.

Sally Hunt, UCU general secretary, said: "The blatant double standards in university pay are a disgrace, and are being felt acutely by staff across the sector.

"Despite clear calls from government for pay restraint at the top, vice-chancellors have enjoyed bumper pay rises of over 4 per cent on average while increases for rank and file staff are held down at barely a quarter of that.

"Average pay increases should match those enjoyed by vice-chancellors, but instead the majority of academic staff have seen the value of their pay fall by 14.5 per cent in six years, while job insecurity is rife and there has been little progress on the gender pay gap.

"The 1.1 per cent pay offer does nothing to address these issues, so it is no wonder that people are saying enough is enough and backing strike action.

"Universities need to answer some hard questions about how they will continue to attract and retain the best talent when pay is being held down and hardworking staff are receiving such poor reward for their efforts."

A spokesperson for the University of Worcester said: "The University of Worcester employs over 1,000 people and strives to be an excellent employer. We are very proud of the work our colleagues do across the University.

"The effect of this industrial action has been very minimal. We do not consider ourselves to be in dispute with our staff and hope that there will be a solution to this national dispute soon."