Academic staff at 74 universities including Bournemouth will walk out for 14 days from today in a long-running dispute over pay and pensions.

The University and College Union (UCU) said it was the largest wave of strikes ever seen on UK campuses.

The dispute remains deadlocked with the two sides blaming each other for the lack of a deal.

The union accused Universities UK, the universities' representatives in the pensions dispute, of refusing to make a new offer on pensions.

It said the Universities and Colleges Employers Association (UCEA) would not talk to the union about the pay element of the dispute.

A UCEA spokesman said universities were "deeply disappointed" that extensive strikes were going ahead.

UCU members at Bournemouth University (BU) will be taking action today and tomorrow; February 24-26; March 2-5; March 9-13.

Staff will be on picket lines from 8am each day.

A BU spokesman said: “This is a national dispute, voted for by UCU members, and any resolution needs to be dealt with at a national level. We will work hard to minimise disruption on campus during the strike action, putting students at the centre of our plans to ensure minimal impact to student experience.”

The university said it did not know what sort of effect the strike would have on lectures. It is encouraging students to continue to come to university during this time, unless they are otherwise advised. If any sessions are cancelled during the strike period, the university will reschedule these as far as practicably possible. All university facilities and services will remain open.