UNIVERSITY lecturers across the UK have announced an assessment boycott in a row over changes to pensions.

Under the move by the UCU union, which represents academics and support staff, thousands of students will no longer receive marks or feedback for official assessments from November 6.

The row centres on the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) which provides pensions for staff at many of the UK's universities including Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, St Andrews and Stirling.

Universities UK wants to end the final salary element of the scheme for all USS members and move them to a career average scheme in order to tackle a deficit.

However, the union argues the changes are too simplistic and do not take into account the strengths of the scheme.

Mary Senior, UCU Scotland official, said: "The employers have failed to convince our members that their dramatic changes or the reasons behind the methodology for their deficit reduction plan are necessary.

"We are making plans for an assessment boycott because UCU members of the pension scheme have made it crystal clear they are unconvinced by the arguments the employers are making."

A spokesman for Universities UK has previously expressed disappointment that the UCU was threatening to hit students with an assessment boycott.

"Everyone is aware pensions are a vital part of the higher education pay and reward package, but the negotiations have not yet concluded.

"We believe the proposals are the best that can be achieved given the substantial scheme deficit," he said.