LECTURERS at the University of Winchester are joining others across the country in a national strike tomorrow(Thursday, March 24).

The University's staff is demonstrating against government cuts to higher education which could lead to job losses, pay cuts and pension reductions.

Local branch secretary for the lecturers union, Dr Mick Jardine, said: “We do not take the decision to go on strike lightly – it is very much a last resort. But we believe public opinion in now on our side, as the government did not put these cuts to voters in the general election.

“It is very disappointing that employers in HE are refusing to support us, in the same way that our students are, as we are fighting to protect high standards in university education.”

He added: “We hope to show by our actions that government must rethink its policy, and not leave university education at the mercy of market forces.”