Lecturers are threatening strike action to shut down the University of Sussex in protest at top-up fees.

Members of the AUT union say they will team up with students for a week of action next month in an attempt to stop fees of up to £3,000 each year for students and to protest at new pay proposals.

Jim Guild, president of Sussex AUT, claimed a new pay deal would mean senior support staff losing out on £47,000 during the next two decades.

"Unless the employers come up with a much better offer, the union hopes to join the students in shutting down the university sector."

Kat Craig, the president of the Student Union at Sussex, welcomed the strike threat.

She said: "It's important the struggle for access to higher education and the struggle for decent pay and conditions go hand in hand.

"It is a very positive move that the students and lecturers are working together."

The national executive of the AUT will decide next Thursday if the union should call a national strike.