Dozens of striking lecturers staged pickets across four campuses as they campaigned about pay and pensions.

The University and College Union (UCU), which has 470 members and claims to represent about half of Kingston University lecturing staff, demonstrated on Thursday, March 24.

Kingston University UCU membership secretary Andy Higginbottom said: “We are very pleased with the coverage at the different parts of the university.

“I think we have had a big impact on the teaching. There’s been a big slowdown at Kingston University today.”

Kingston University Student Union president TJ Esubiyi said he supported the action, but would be concerned if it became a long-term dispute affecting students’ work.

He said: “The lecturer union supported us when we went on our massive demonstration and, to coin a phrase, we are all in this together.

“Cuts to universities affect students and lecturers so we do support it, as long as students are not adversely affected.”

The university said pay deducted from the salaries of striking staff members would be donated to its student hardship fund.

Lecturers at Kingston College, who negotiate their pay locally, did not stage a picket but will send a petition to Kingston and Surbiton MP Edward Davey and the Prime Minister highlighting concerns about pensions.

Peter Yiannakou, of the college UCU, said: “Our argument is with the Government, not the college, and I don’t feel a one-day strike would have had much effect.

“The students lose out, but if it’s going to be an organised event with all unions involved we will be out as well.”