Staff at the University of Kent are striking today.

Members of the Universities and College Union (UCU) at the University of Kent at the Medway and Canterbury campus have been on the picket line since 8am.

The action is due to a dispute over pensions.

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Universities UK (UUK) have proposed to end the defined benefit element of the pension scheme, which is the lump sum paid when an employee retires.

The union claims this would leave lecturers £10,000 a year worse off.

In a ballot on strike action, 88% of members who voted backed strike action and the turnout for members at Kent University was 57%.

UCU regional official Mike Moran said: "Nobody wants to take strike action but staff at Kent feel they have no choice.

"These hardline proposals would slash staff pensions and are simply uncalled for.

"It is staggering that the universities have refused to engage with the union and a real insult to staff and to students.

"We hope students will continue to put pressure on the vice-chancellors to get their reps back round the negotiating table."

If no agreement is made the 64 institutions will strike for a further 14 days over the next month.

A spokesman for the University of Kent said in a statement: "We remain deeply frustrated by the apparent deadlock in discussions at national level, but we are continuing to lobby those involved to restart negotiations, call-off the action and consider alternative options.

"Though we can't be sure how many members of staff will be participating, we expect many classes to go ahead as usual."

The statement advised students: "We are doing everything we can to make sure that this action has as little impact on your studies as possible.

"Throughout the action, the University's campuses and centres will all be open as usual."