BRISTOL Open University staff are striking in a row over job cuts.

Members of the University and College Union (UCU) at the Bristol Open University Regional Centre will walk out this Wednesday, November 25 and again on Tuesday, December 8.

The action is in response to controversial plans to axe seven regional centres including in Bristol, putting 502 jobs at risk.

The seven centres earmarked for closure are in Bristol, Birmingham, Cambridge, Gateshead, Leeds, London and Oxford.

UCU Open University branch president Pauline Collins said: “Nobody wants to take strike action, but we feel this is our only alternative.

“The closures have been criticised by staff, students, former students and politicians. Our senate, which is the academic body of the university, rejected the plans as high risk and failing to support the mission of the university.”

The Open University council is due to meet on Tuesday, November 24 where council members will vote on the controversial plans. The union said strike action was an absolute last resort and that the ball was now in the university’s court.