JMU to close doors for one-day strike.

STUDENTS are to be locked out of Liverpool John Moores University during a one-day strike that will cause disruption across council and education services next week.

It follows a national ballot for industrial action of staff in a variety of sectors over changes to the Local Government Pension Schemes (LGPS).

The walkout by Unison and GMB union members next Tuesday, is expected to hit services across Merseyside.

JMU announced will close all buildings for the day, as the strike will affect its administrative and security staff.

A Liverpool council spokesman said the city is preparing for disruption of services across the board, but will come up with contingency plans.

Workers are protesting at changes to the LGPS that will stop them being able to claim their full benefit if they retire before 65.

A spokeswoman for JMU said: "Given that members of GMB and Unison are responsible for opening and closing buildings, and also for security, LJMU is concerned that the safe management of the buildings may be compromised by the industrial action.

"As a result LJMU has taken the decision to close all university buildings on Tuesday, March 28.

"All university staff and students will be notified of the closure. LJMU will also provide students with information on how missed classes will be covered."

It is understood there will be no planned industrial action at the University of Liverpool.