STAFF from the University of Bradford are joining the University and College Union strike.

The first day of industrial action takes place today, until Thursday, and from Monday to Friday next week.

A picket line will be formed outside the university in Great Horton Road.

The strike is against a new pension formula which would result in £10,000 less each year for the average new member of staff in retirement.

Colleagues from around the country have been striking for two weeks.

Dr William Martin one of UCU Bradford Local Association Acting Co-Presidents said: “This strike is about our pensions.

"The employers are seeking to impose a new pension formula that would result in the average new member of staff losing £10,000 per annum in retirement.

"The University of Bradford branch of UCU held a well-attended meeting today where members expressed their eagerness to join colleagues across the country who have been taking strike action for the past two weeks.

"We are not taking this action lightly as our students’ education is of great importance to us. However, we believe that this attack on our pensions represents just the latest downgrade in the pay and conditions of staff in UK universities – a 15 per cent real terms cut in pay over the last 10 years, and previous recent cuts to our pension entitlements.

"The university sector is one that the nation can be rightly proud of. In order to maintain the international standing of British universities it is essential that we can attract the best people to work in them.

"We are pleased that the National Union of Students has come out in support of the academic staff in this dispute. We trust that all can recognise the importance of fair pay and conditions for lecturers in ensuring that students continue to receive the world-class education they deserve."

On Thursday, lecturers are joining with members of the local community to hold a ‘teach out’ day at the Delius Arts Centre.

Dr Martin added: "We want to show that we are committed to education, even when we are on strike and not getting paid. As such, we have put together a really interesting set of talks and Q and A sessions where our academic staff will be sharing their passion for their subject."