THOUSANDS of students across both city universities are set to be affected by strike action tomorrow.

Lecturers and staff are expected to walk out at the University of Oxford and Oxford Brookes University in a dispute over a pay offer of one per cent.

Many lectures will be disrupted, but both universities have said they will minimise disruption to students. It is the first time there has been a co-ordinated strike by staff from all three unions – the University and College Union (UCU), UNISON and Unite.

The UCU’s branch at the University of Oxford has about 1,000 members.

President of Oxford University’s UCU branch, Dr Terry Hoad, said: “Unfortunately our students are the ones whose lives are affected in the short term. They are often pointed to as people we shouldn’t be damaging. Our members don’t want that. Students have been supportive of us. They are our colleagues in academic activity and understand our position.”

The last time there was strike action in universities over pay was in 2006 when UCU members walked out.

Oxford Brookes’ director of human resources Bob Price said: “The university will do all it can to ensure that students are affected as little as possible.”

President of Oxford University Student Union Tom Rutland said its position on the strike was that one would be made in consultation with the student body.

A spokesperson for the University of Oxford said: “The university respects the right of individuals to take part in lawful industrial action.

“Contingency plans are in place aimed at minimising any disruption.”