Many staff at the University of Sussex have begun striking today, with numerous lectures, seminars and office hours being cancelled due to this action. Sussex is only one of 61 universities involved in the industrial action, with staff in the UCU (University and College Union) striking due to pension reductions and cuts that will reduce their yearly salaries by £2,000-£3.000 and their pension funds by £10,000 a year.

The strikes themselves are spread over 14 days for the next 3 weeks, with the dates as followed:

• Week one - Thursday 22 and Friday 23 February (two days)
• Week two - Monday 26, Tuesday 27 and Wednesday 28 February (three days)
• Week three - Monday 5, Tuesday 6, Wednesday 7 and Thursday 8 March (four days)
• Week four - Monday 12, Tuesday 13, Wednesday 14, Thursday 15 and Friday 16 March (five days)

The strikes are a last resort to get the UUK (Universities UK) to re-enter negotiations about the pension and salary cuts. If a resolution is met, the strikes could be cancelled mid-way through the action, but it is currently assumed the full strikes will be commencing.

The strikes will not only mean cancelled classes on the affected dates, but staff, and possibly supporting students, will be on the picket lines at every major entrance to University protesting in the form of marches and speeches, meaning entering the University could be disrupted.

University will be open as normal with students still having access to the library and cafes on campus. However, buses will not be entering campus to avoid the disruption, but students can instead get the bus from Falmer Station and will be dropped off on the edge of campus, at the Brighton Academy bus stop.

Staff do not legally have to notify students of cancelled classes, so be aware that on the strike days your classes may be cancelled if your tutor is involved in the action. These strikes are attempting to prevent future monetary issues in academia, with staff hoping the strikes will affect change.