Staff at four more universities have joined the strike over pension cuts, with 61 now affected, the University and College Union said on Monday. Support for the action remains "solid", with pickets braving freezing temperatures, according to the union. Staff say the pension changes will cost the average lecturer £10,000 - but the employers say the scheme has a deficit of more than £6bn. Bosses have ruled out new discussions on the changes at talks due on Tuesday.
Under a plan agreed in January, the Universities Superannuation Scheme will change from a defined benefit scheme, giving members a guaranteed income in retirement, to a defined contribution scheme, where pensions are subject to changes in the stock market.
