Introduction to the industrial action
Industrial action is planned to take place from 17 November 2025.
The University and College Union (UCU) Sheffield branch is asking its members to take strike action and action short of a strike from 17 November 2025 over the risk of compulsory redundancies at the University.
They are asking the University to extend the period in which we commit to making no compulsory redundancies and to pause restructuring activity.
Last academic year we made a commitment that there would be no compulsory redundancies as a result of organisational change programmes before 31 December 2025, and this commitment remains in place. However, given the challenges the higher education sector is facing, we are unable to meet the additional commitments that UCU is asking us to make at this time.
We are taking a proactive and strategic approach to the current challenges facing UK universities to ensure we can continue to deliver the excellent education and student experience for which Sheffield is renowned.
We remain firmly committed to avoiding compulsory redundancies where possible after 31 December 2025, and to continuing open and constructive talks with our campus trade unions to build a positive and sustainable future for the University.
There are 16 planned days of strike action:
- 17, 18, 19, and 21 of November
- 24, 25, 26, and 27 of November
- 1, 2, 4, and 5 of December
- 9, 10, 11, and 12 of December
In addition, action short of a strike is planned to go ahead from Monday 17 November 2025.
We thank our community for their support during this challenging time.