ESSEX University staff are to stage a two-day walkout following failed negotiations over pay.

Staff will join picket lines from 8am to 11am today and tomorrow.

Members of the University and College Union, fighting on behalf of higher education staff, resorted to strike action after being offered a 1.1 per cent pay rise by the Universities and Colleges Employer Association.

The union has argued universities can afford to pay more in light of academics and related staff having suffered a 14.5 per cent pay cut since 2009.

This is despite reports of university vice-chancellors receiving pay increases worth around a third of many academics’ full salaries.

Professor Anthony Forster, of Essex University, in the year 2014/15 received an increase of more than £10,000, as well as free accommodation of Lakeside House on campus, bringing his total income to £277,373.

However, the UCEA said the offer is on top of base pay at more than triple the current inflation level, which stands at 0.3 per cent, bringing the average pay increase up to 2.7.

If no agreement is reached in the coming weeks, further strike action could affect the clearing process, graduation ceremonies and open days.

From Wednesday, the UCU is also set to make preparations for the autumn term where they will boycott marking students’ work, refuse to work overtime or cover classes.

Chris Fox, president of the UCU Essex Local Association, said: “It’s unfortunate once again academic staff feel so frustrated with the pay offer they’re forced to take strike action.

“Employers could solve this by negotiating in good faith and respecting the commitment of staff to their universities and their students with a fair pay rise to reflect the losses of the last seven years.”

Working hours are also been contested as over half of all academics report working more than 50 hours per week.

An Essex University spokesman said: “We’re disappointed UCU is taking national strike action without following the agreed process for national pay negotiations.

“We’ll do everything possible to minimise disruption to our students and the university will remain open.”