Strike action by staff at 74 universities across the UK is causing widespread disruption for over a million students in the next 14 days.

The University and College Union (UCU) says members are taking the industrial action in a battle over pensions, pay and conditions, with this latest step following eight days of strikes last November and December.

The strike - running from February 20 to March 13 - will be the third time students' studies has been affected with industrial action also held at this stage last year.

University bosses have refused to back down in the dispute but are promising to try and limit the "damage" for students as much as possible.

The National Union of Students has said it understands staff complaints and wants the universities to resolve the problems over pay and conditions.

UCU general secretary Jo Grady claims support for staff around the UK is a "clear message" to their employers.

She said: "We have been receiving news of solid support for the strikes across the UK. That support sends a clear message to universities that, instead of focusing on silly games and spinning in the run up the walkouts they should have been working with us to try and sort things out.

"We have been clear that we are always ready to seriously discuss all the issues at the heart of the disputes. Students are understandably unimpressed at the intransigence of their university leaders and have made clear demands today that vice-chancellors and principals work harder to try and resolve the disputes.”

The UCU says 50,000 members are taking the strike action over workload, pay, a 15 percent gender pay gap and pension changes.

There has been widespread support on social media for staff heeding the call to walk out. 

One student tweeted: "Furious to have found out today that one of the best lecturers I have is on a one-year contract and that means he can't have a mortgage.”

Another wrote: "Teaching is a key role of universities and a significant source of income. Staff that teach effectively should be better appreciated and receive greater support."

At the same time here is also worry from students who have lost class time having paid their university fees.

One tweeted: "University strike action will impact nearly a month of education that students have paid for. I stand with the union and think the management really need to come up with a solution immediately."