Norfolk's two universities are among those across the country that could be affected when staff stage a one-day strike at the end of the month.

The University and College Union, Unison and Unite trade unions announced the walkout on October 31 over a pay dispute with employers.

They said staff had been offered a pay rise of 1pc this year, which they said meant they have had a pay cut of 13pc in real terms since October 2008.

Unison eastern region regional secretary Glyn Hawker said: 'Strike action is always a last resort in any dispute, but our members have simply had enough and this 1pc pay offer is just not good enough.

'The work of support staff is key to the smooth running of universities and they play a valuable, much needed role in supporting both students and their academic colleagues.'

A spokesman for the University of East Anglia said: 'This is a national dispute.

'We are aware of possible action October 31. We will endeavour to minimise any impact this may have on our students and the university will continue to function as normally as possible on the affected day.'