Staff at the University of Suffolk are set to walk out over pay, conditions and pensions.

The news comes as the University and College Union (UCU) confirm the largest strikes to ever hit UK campuses.

UCU members voted overwhelmingly in favour of industrial action last month over what union chiefs describe as "attacks on pay and working conditions as well as pension cuts". 

Members are calling for a "meaningful pay rise" to deal with the cost of living crisis" and "action to end the use of insecure contracts".

The union says employers imposed a pay rise worth 3% this year "following over a decade of below inflation pay awards".

It is also believed a third of academic staff are on some form of temporary contract.

The UCU is also demanding employers "revoke the pension cuts and restore benefits", adding: "The package of cuts made earlier this year will see the average member lose 35% from their guaranteed future retirement income."

Despite the result of the ballot, the union says vice-chancellors have not yet made any improved offers.

A total of 70,000 staff are now expected to walk out across 150 universities.

UCU general secretary Jo Grady said: "Vice-chancellors are choosing to pay themselves hundreds of thousands of pounds whilst forcing our members onto low paid and insecure contracts that leave some using foodbanks.

"They choose to hold billions in surpluses whilst slashing staff pensions.

"If university vice-chancellors don’t get serious, our message is simple – this bout of strike action will be just the beginning."

National Union of Students vice president of higher education Chloe Field said: "Students stand in solidarity with the 70,000 university staff across the UK who will strike later this month. Staff teaching conditions are students’ learning conditions, and we must fight together for a fairer, healthier education system for everyone who works and studies.

"The struggles we face as students are inextricably linked to the reasons that staff are striking.

"High rents, astronomical international student fees and cuts to maintenance support have happened for the same reasons that staff are suffering under huge workloads - the failed marketisation of the sector which has put profit above staff and student well-being.

"Universities and employers must come to the table and take meaningful action to end these disputes."

Action is due to begin on Thursday, November 24 and will take place on Friday, 25 and Wednesday, 30.