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Strike at Open University for first time ever

OPEN University staff have voted overwhelmingly for strike action for the first time in the institution’s 46-year history.

The 72 per cent vote for action by members of academics’ union UCU is a reaction to plans to sack 500 staff and close seven regional centres in Birmingham, Bristol, Cambridge, Gateshead, Leeds, London and Oxford.

Members meet next week to decide their next steps.

“The only people who still seem to think that axing 500 jobs and closing down seven regional Open University ­centres is a good idea are the senior managers,” said UCU Open University president Pauline Collins.

“We have been overwhelmed by the support from students, former students and even MPs in our campaign.

“The academic body at the university rejected the plans at its senate meeting last month and now the staff have given an overwhelming mandate for strike action.”

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