Hundreds of lecturers at Northumbria University in Newcastle took part in a one-day strike over plans to remove up to 20 lecturing jobs.

The university claimed reductions were needed to tackle "over-resourcing" in some departments.

Now the university's vice-chancellor, Professor Kel Fidler, has said compulsory redundancies are not needed.

University bosses say they have welcomed a pledge from the lecturer's union Natfhe that it has withdrawn the threat of further industrial action.

'Competitive position'

In a statement, Prof Fidler said: "Northumbria University will not be making any compulsory redundancies to its academic staff base following negotiations with three schools identified as being over-resourced.

"The announcement comes after extensive negotiations with staff in the Schools of Arts & Social Sciences, Informatics and Health, Community & Education Studies led to sufficient applications for voluntary redundancy.

"This, coupled with turnover savings, to achieve targets that will help to aid the growth of the university and enhance its competitive position."