STUDENT inductions at Middlesex University were marred this morning by strikes and picket lines protesting against compulsory redundancies.

Up to 300 staff may be cut by the university, with action taken by unions this morning at campuses in Hendon, Archway and Trent Park.

UNISON, University and College Union and Middlesex University Student Union joined at the College Road entrance to the Hendon campus as students arrived for the second day of induction week.

Deputy vice-chancellor of research and enterprise Professor Waqar Ahmad was there to welcome them.

“It’s essential for us that it’s business as normal,” he said.

“This is the start of university education for a lot of students and we want to make them feel welcome."

Prof Amad highlighted the campus’ facilities, including a new arts, design and media building that cost £80million.

“This new building is 16,000 square metres – the size of a small village.”

It is projects such as this that has the unions up in arms about the cuts.

UCU executive Paul Garneau said “It’s a big issue, not only are there new buildings here in London, but new campuses are opening up around the world in Dubai, Mauritius and one was supposed to open in India in September."

“The university is trying to get as much money as possible, but at the same time cutting back on 300 members of staff here."

"We don’t feel that’s a very good deal for students, it is going to affect their studies.”

Student union president Iyer Manoj Kumar said the students supported “any peaceful action against the cuts”.

He said: “These cuts will be particularly detrimental to the overall experience of the students ... the university will no longer be a temple of knowledge, but become a corporate business.”

Criminology student Manuel Padovan, of Second Avenue in Hendon said the university fees were among the most expensive in the country and would only rise.

“Essentially, we’ll be paying more but getting less under these cuts.”