LECTURERS at Huddersfield University are poised to take strike action.

The threat comes after members of the Association of University Teachers rejected a pay offer.

In a ballot, 66% voted for nationwide industrial action in protest at the 6.4% offer, which is well above the 2.6% inflation rate.

Members say this is particularly unfair as the Government has given universities grants worth close to 9%.

Sally Hunt, AUT general secretary, said: "Our members, who have turned out in unprecedented numbers, have comprehensively rejected the employers' proposals, which would lead to many lecturers losing £6,300 over eight years."

She added: "AUT members feel very angry that their pay has declined by 40% in comparison to the rest of the workforce.

"Also, they know the employers' proposals will make matters worse."

The AUT will be joined by the National Union of Students in any strike as they protest about variable top-up fees.

NUS president Mandy Telford said: "The NUS supports the AUT in its struggle against the employers' attacks on academic and related staff's pay and conditions."

Both unions hope their joint action will bring the higher education sector to a standstill.

The strikes are proposed to start on Monday, February 23, and would last a week.