Bosses at the University of York have been accused of "intimidation" after threatening wage-docking against staff taking action to defend their pensions.

Members of the University and College Union (UCU) are to launch a boycott of assessment work on November 6 in protest at changes to their pension scheme which could result in cuts of up to 27 per cent in their retirement incomes.

Managers at the University of York have responded by sending out what staff say is a "highly intimidating" letter threatening to stop the wages of staff who participate in the boycott for every day of the action - even though they may be doing other work.

Disciplinary action was also threatened against any lecturer who does not inform management in advance that they will be supporting the boycott.

A UCU insider at the university said the management threats prompted a "massive outcry amongst staff and the union."