LECTURERS at Winchester University are being consulted on strike action over “catastrophic mismanagement,” which they say threatens the loss of more than a quarter of staff and the closure of key departments.

The University and College Union (UCU) said today that 249 jobs are under threat from a workforce of 900.

It warned that the university’s English language programme, its institute for climate and social justice, the centre for religion, reconciliation and peace and its managed housing department are all in danger of being axed.