Lecturers at a university in north-west England are voting on strike action over the sacking of two union activists.

The University and College Union (UCU) at the University of Salford in Greater Manchester says two of its members who raised grievances were suspended, then sacked under the guise of a restructuring programme.

They both worked in the School of Marketing and Student Recruitment.

UCU said management’s actions blatantly breached agreed redundancy procedures.

“The pair were not given the opportunity to be part of a redundancy selection pool, were not consulted on how their redundancies could be avoided and were not allowed to appeal against their job losses,” said UCU.

The union believes they were targeted because of their union activities.

“Despite axing both members of staff, apparently as a cost-cutting exercise, new posts have since been advertised internally in their department,” said UCU.

UCU regional official Martyn Moss said: “We urge our members to show support for their colleagues and send a clear message to the university that it cannot treat staff and their union reps in such a contemptuous manner.”

The union said it was hopeful Acas talks would find a settlement. The strike ballot ends on March 27.