Strike dates are yet to be decided.

Employers have previously said universities have done their best to support staff in tough times.

Students - some of whom have supported previous strike action by university staff - could face lectures being cancelled or rearranged.

The Universities and Colleges Employers Association (UCEA), which represents university employers across the UK, proposed a 3% pay increase for staff this academic year, with 9% for those on the lowest pay grades.