STAFF at the Open University have voted to go on strike in a row over jobs and regional centre closures.

The University and College Union (UCU) said its members backed walkouts by 72 per cent, with more than four out of five supporting other forms of industrial action.

The union says that 500 jobs are at risk through plans to close seven regional centres in Gateshead, Leeds, Birmingham, Bristol, Cambridge, London and Oxford.

The union said, if strikes are called, UCU members will also walk out from Open University offices in Belfast, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Milton Keynes, Manchester and Nottingham.

UCU members at the Open University have previously taken strike action in national campaigns over pay and pensions, but this would be the first ever stoppage by OU staff over a local dispute.

UCU Open University branch president Pauline Collins said: "The only people who still seem to think that axing 500 jobs and closing down seven regional Open University centres is a good idea are the senior managers.

"We have been overwhelmed by the support from students, former students and MPs in our campaign.

"The academic body at the university rejected the plans at its senate meeting last month and now the staff have given an overwhelming mandate for strike action at the Open University for the first time in its history.

"We hope the managers will now see sense and work with us to deliver changes that will not be so devastating for the staff, students or future of the Open University."