Introduction to the industrial action
In early 2026, the Sheffield branch of UCU re-balloted its members to seek a further mandate for industrial action beyond March 2026, when its previous mandate expired.
This latest ballot closed on Thursday (26 March) with 50.44 per cent of UCU members (744 people) submitting a vote, and just over a third of the total UCU membership (503 people) voting in favour of strike action. This means that the UCU branch has marginally surpassed the minimum 50 per cent turnout threshold required for the ballot outcome to be deemed valid for a 12 month period from 26 March 2026 to 25 March 2027.
The branch has informed us that it plans to call on its members to take strike action on 7, 8, 11, 12, 13 and 14 May, and to take continuous action short of a strike from 7 May.
UCU’s latest dispute is again over the risk of compulsory redundancies at the University.
We remain committed to avoiding compulsory redundancies wherever we possibly can and to making savings through voluntary means wherever possible. This commitment is part of our approach to making changes in a sustainable way to strengthen our University and ensure a sustainable future. The changes we are making are in response to the continued sector-wide financial challenges, most notably a significant reduction in international students.
We are working closely with schools, particularly those in the areas we anticipate will be most affected by industrial action, and we will do everything we can to minimise any potential impact on students across the University.