LECTURERS' unions have held a second day of strike action in the city.

And activists have warned of more action in the public sector over Government spending cuts.

piCKET: Lecturers and students gathered to protest over pension and pay
PROTEST: University and College Union members take strike action over changes to their pensions

Disruption was caused to some classes at the University of Exeter and Exeter College during the strike by members of the University and College Union (UCU) over proposed changes to the Universities Superannuation Scheme.

A rally and public meeting was held later in the day at St Sidwell's Methodist Church.

There were picket lines at both the main university and college sites in Exeter yesterday morning.

And anti-cuts activists also joined the strikers.

The UCU is campaigning against moves to raise the retirement age for academics, increase contributions and end the final-salary pension scheme.

Exeter was one of 47 English universities taking industrial action.

A spokesman for the UCU said: "We could be paying up to £124 a month extra for our pension and have to work to the age of 65.

"When you sign up, part of the package is a fair pension. We are getting salaries lower than the private sector. It's an assault on pay and conditions."

A major demonstration, the TUC March for the Alternative, will be held in London tomorrow to stand against Government spending cuts.

And at least four coaches are due to leave Exeter in the morning to take protestors to the rally.

Rob Edwards, of the Exeter Anti-Cuts Alliance, who joined the UCU picket line at the university, said strikers received a good reception from lecturers and students.

He said: "There was a good turnout and we received a lot of solidarity from students.

"Not everyone agreed with the action – but there were some good debates and a lot of support. The public meeting was good spirited and well attended.

"I predict that there will be a lot more strikes in the future. We are calling for a general strike involving all public sector workers against the cuts."

Exeter University has claimed most staff members were not involved in the action and it claimed the two days of strike action have had little impact.