A UNION has warned that the prospect of Oxford University staff going on strike over pension rights is a step closer.

A consultative ballot carried out by the University and College Union (UCU) found 87 per cent of all members would be prepared to take industrial action to defend their benefits in the Universities Superannuation Scheme.

It covers the majority of staff working at universities including Oxford, Cambridge and Manchester and Imperial College.

UCU general secretary Sally Hunt said: "This result sends a message that members are prepared to take sustained industrial action in order to protect their pensions."