INDUSTRIAL action ballots over pay, working conditions and pension cuts at Britain’s universities amid the “worst cost-of-living crisis in living memory” are set to open nationwide today.

The University and College Union (UCU) said more than 70,000 staff at 150 institutions will be consulted in two separate polls, which close on October 21.

The aggregated ballots — one covering pay and working conditions and the other pensions — could trigger walkouts at every university involved if backed by a majority on a 50 per cent turnout. 

Bosses must introduce a wage boost of at least 12 per cent, eliminate the use of zero-hour contracts, address dangerously high workloads and drop a 35 per cent cut to the Universities Superannuation Scheme, the union demanded. 

Vice chancellors in the extremely profitable sector have complained of the financial impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, but UCU general secretary Jo Grady said they face historic strike action.

Meanwhile, the union’s members at three colleges across north-west England are set to launch two-day strike action today.

Workers at Burnley College, Manchester College and Oldham College are demanding higher pay amid double-digit inflation, UCU said.