MEMBERS of a national trade union began striking yesterday over fears of upcoming redundancies at the University of Bradford.

60 UNISON members, who work as university staff, were protesting against the uni's latest shake-up this morning.

UNISON announced the strike would move into a second day, with tomorrow's picket line taking place between 8am and 12pm outside the uni's main entrance.

Administrative, professional and support staff are in dispute with the University of Bradford after the news 165 from those sectors could lose their jobs.

But, UNISON said the strike will continue as "The University of Bradford has refused to shed light on how many jobs are in danger at Bradford University."

UNISON tweeted: "165 staff at Bradford Uni UNISON (many of them low paid) face losing their jobs & they wrote to students to explain why they're taking strike action.

"They care so deeply about students' experiences."

In this letter to students, Bradford Uni UNISON members explain previous restructures have led to the overstretching of their services, and the new announcement has left them with no choice but to strike.

The strikes began at around 11am on Wednesday morning, and there was widespread support from other staff members, the Birmingham branch of UNISON and even passing motorists.

But, a University spokesperson said senior management had been in consultation with the unions to try avert strikes action and they remain committed to fully engaging with them.

The spokesperson said: “The HE sector has become market-driven and increasingly competitive. In order to remain financially viable and sustainable, we, along with other institutions, will continue to innovate, evolve and reshape internally.

"Against this backdrop, we have set a clear plan for the University’s development over the next 2-3 years. We are on track to deliver this plan. We have delivered the first phase with no compulsory redundancies.

"It is unlikely that there will be compulsory redundancies as a result of the current proposals, but we cannot confirm this until all consultations are complete in a week or two."

Staff will find out their fate on Monday.