At the EGM of 7th August committee agreed to gauge member opinion on the best way to deploy a further 10 days of strike action through a brief online poll.

Members were apprised of the timelines that apply in law as related to the announcing of strike action. These laws require a minimum 2 weeks of notice to the employer in advance of the action. UCU rules also require a minimum of 1 week for approval from HQ prior to local action.

With this in mind we urge all members to use the opportunity to give feedback that will assist committee in their decision-making regarding this important next step in the dispute.

Your views matter and will directly inform next steps. Thank you to all of those that have already responded; if you have not already done so please refer to last weeks newsletter or look out for this weeks newsletter which will also contain the link.

University of Bradford cuts devastating

Union chiefs fear proposed cuts by the University of Bradford would have a “devastating” multi-million pound impact on the local economy – and cause “lasting damage”, reported the Telegraph & Argus.

UCU members took part in 10 days of strike action in July over the institution’s proposals to make £16 million of cuts, slash hundreds of jobs and close multiple courses.

The Telegraph & Argus exclusively published TUC analysis which estimates the planned cuts could hit the local economy by a total of £23m.

UCU general secretary Jo Grady told the paper: “These devastating cuts would tear the heart out of the University of Bradford and cause lasting damage to the city.”

University funding model slammed in Guardian

In a Guardian opinion piece, Zoe Williams explains why the domestic and international student fees model of funding higher education is broken and quotes UCU data to show staff have faced real term pay cuts since 2009.

Zoe argues that unless there is radical change the higher education system will fall apart.

Ministers’ asylum plan ‘will turn universities into border force’

The Times reported that Labour plans to bar universities from accepting foreign students if they fail to prevent their students claiming asylum in the UK.

Responding to the story, Jo Grady told the Morning Star “Attempting to turn universities into an extension of the border force is not only shameful, but doomed to fail.”

She told Research Professional the “policy could have perverse consequences, such as forcing a university to bar students from war-torn countries like Palestine or Ukraine because they may not be able to safely return home.” Jo went on to say that Labour “must stop sacrificing our universities on the altar of its hopeless attempts to outflank Reform on immigration and start backing the sector. Only then will higher education be able to thrive, improve local economies and enhance the UK’s global standing.”

UCU launches petition against massive cuts at Lancaster University

UCU has launched a petition demanding an immediate halt to Lancaster University’s planned one in four redundancies and full transparency on its financial position, reported the Lancaster Guardian.

A UCU spokesperson told the outlet “University management has cited a £35 million shortfall as the reason for the job cuts. But staff say this number is based on uncertain forecasts of future income, not confirmed losses. That figure represents about 10% of the university’s annual budget.”

UCU criticises Warwick Uni for ‘vanity project’ Vogue staff photoshoot

The University of Warwick has come under fire for starting a “luxury” makeover while making staff redundant because of financial pressures, reported The Telegraph.

Ajay Teli, Warwick’s chief communications officer, has featured in a series of paid magazine spreads in recent months to promote the university’s 60th anniversary. It includes a fashion photoshoot for Vogue Singapore published in June, in which Mr Teli wore designer clothing and said he would use his experience in the “premium and luxury sectors” to boost Warwick’s reputation.

It comes after the university made 218 people redundant last year. UCU told the paper: “The University of Warwick’s new brand has undoubtedly cost the institution a considerable amount of money, spent while staff contracts are not being renewed, essential roles are being eradicated, and students are struggling to pay their tuition and their bills. We have asked the university for information on how much this rebrand has cost and why these funds weren’t used to support and improve teaching and learning activities. We eagerly await a response.”

A well attended meeting of the branch heard latest news on the local dispute from Zak Hughes..

You can view EGM slides by clicking here

Most significant was the lack of meaningful movement that might lead the branch to reconsider upcoming strike action scheduled for w/c 11th August 2025, and as such that strike action will go ahead. Please note however that the action will now take place Thursday 14th, Friday 15th, and SATURDAY 16th of August.

It was also felt that there was some evidence of a split in the Executive Board, which is unsurprising given that some of the representatives are largely unaffected by the current process and the staff cuts that are emerging. UCU calls upon senior academic members on EB to stand up for their areas and against damaging job losses.

In accordance with motions passed at a previous EGM, members were apprised of committee discussions around the timing of the next 10 days of strike action, with the consensus being for action at the start of the academic session. It was agreed that all members would be asked to indicate their preference for when to schedule two block of 5 days via an online poll.

Q&A’s from Floor 7th August 2025

Q – What is reasoning behind refusal?

A – Management have been less than forthcoming in their explanations although in respect of VR they were ‘reluctant to set a precedent’ that might reduce enthusiasm for VR before outcomes are known. In fact take up of VR in Phase 2 has been poor; UCU do not see that there is a risk based in on experience at Phase 2.

Q – What is the position of students/

A – Students were given assurances at the beginning that there would be no redundancies. Three months later those assurances were broken by management. Anger at this started in Optometry but appears now to be spreading across the student body.

Q – When does VR close for academics in Phase 2?

A – VR is open to 17th Sept following UCU lobbying. The SharePoint site has now been updated to reflect the change. VR applications from those in scope are surprisingly low, whereas applications from staff out of scope continue to be lodged. UCU argue that if ALL applications were processed savings targets may be achieved.

Q – Is the Shared Hours scheme closing?

A – UCU is advised that the position is now that proposals from teams based on the Shared Hours principles will be considered on a case by case basis going forwards.

Q – Will there be National Fund support for strike pay?

A – Our application to the central fund is still pending but the branch is confident that it will be available. Both the regional official and the branch continue to lobby HQ on the matter. We have also expanded local support; some donations to the local hardship fund have been received.

Q – Has there been any movement on changes to selection criteria?

A – Management claim to be considering feedback from unions, but we fear that those parties involved lack the necessary experience to do anything radical, and that they are instinctively wedded to avoiding major changes to the process, and the weightings given to the core elements of Qualifications, Teaching, Research, and Citizenship/leadership. We are aware of some changes being mooted in respect of internal leadership experience.

Q – Why do I have to declare myself on strike on Saturday?

A – The branch believes that regardless of your contractual obligations in respect of out-of-hours working, it will be in your best interests to declare that you are on strike if you intend to visit the picket. We believe that this gives you the best possible legal protection under employment law.

If you have been scheduled to take part in clearing on Saturday, then you should not turn up for work, and if asked answer truthfully (after the strike) that you were on strike. Management may deduct 1/365 of your salary in this instance, but you will also be eligible (subject to terms and conditions) for local and central strike payments

A well attended meeting of the branch was apprised of progress on negotiations with management over the current dispute.

Three motions were considered by members:

Motion 1

UoB UCU branch endorses an application for a further 10 days of strike action to
be scheduled between August and November, alongside accompanying ASOS,
following the strategy discussed at the 29th May and 31st July EGMs

Motion 1 was passed overwhelmingly.

Motion 2

The branch approves of supporting members taking industrial action from the
local hardship fund. Payment will be as in line with national fighting fund rules
and in sum of

• £50 for the second and subsequent days of industrial action
  taken by the member earning £30,000 gross or more per annum (this is
  subject to a cap of 2 days)
• £75 for the second and subsequent days of industrial action
  taken by the member earning less than £30,000 gross or per annum (this is
  subject to a cap of 2 days)

Motion 2 was passed unanimously.

Motion 3

The UoB UCU branch thanks Huddersfield TUC for their solidarity and donation
to our strike fund and approves affiliation to Huddersfield TUC.

Motion 3 was passed unanimously.

You can review the slides from the EGM here.

The Telegraph and Argus covered our last strike action with quotes from TUC general Secretary Paul Nowak and UCU general secretary Jo Grady.

TUC gave details of their analysis of the impact of job cuts on the local economy.

You can read the full article here

An extremely well attended EGM took place on 16th July, where members were updated on recent developments in the Transformational Change Program and negotiations with management.

You can view meeting slides by clicking here.

Negotiators were clear that management had failed to respond positively to UCU demands despite their being given the time and space to do so by the branch (postponement of 4 days of action). In particular it was confirmed that a proposed extension of VR would not be implemented, and that only very limited ad inadequate financial information had been supplied.

Committee was keen to hear the views of members over a proposal to reschedule postponed action to coincide with clearing as a means of escalating the dispute. There was a range of views expressed from definitely not, through the value of doing so as a lever to get movement, to it being an essential next step.

Further escalation may also be necessary, and there will be a further EGM to vote on proposals to add further strike action, some to coincide with the start of term.

The next period of action will be crucial, with 5 days commencing 21st July. Committee are calling for as many as possible to attend pickets as well as participating in the strike. Wednesday sees a session of Council so there is an opportunity to make Council aware of the strength of feeling of members. There will also be a speaker and rally at 11:30 on Wednesday to coincide with the arrival of Council members. Watch for Newsletter for details of picket times/locations.

It was proposed from the floor that a vote be taken on a motion to schedule 4 days of action over clearing.

Motion – Reschedule strike days postponed from 7-8th and 10-11th July to coincide with clearing, namely 12th – 15th August 20225.

Phase 1 outcomes will be communicated to staff affected imminently. UCU is aware that their warning that areas may be decimated due to the over emphasis on research in the selection process had been borne out, with one area losing all prof. Management claims that UCU criticisms were ‘with the benefit of hindsight’ were robustly countered. Management are seeking a solution that does not compromise the integrity of their selection mechanism(!).

The branch is aware that those who have failed at Phase 1 to secure a role are being offered 1-2-1 consultations during the next strike period. All members are advised to request that consultation meetings be rescheduled due to the unavailability of union representation if offered a meeting during a strike period.

Details of our dispute with management was featured in the Telegraph and Argus:

University of Bradford strike over pay and workload

Staff began ten days of strike action this week over plans to make £16million of savings by cutting jobs and closing a number of courses.

Zak Hughes, UCU branch secretary at the University of Bradford told the Telegraph and Argus that the proposed cuts would have a “massive” impact on staff and students.

The Morning Star also attended our picket:

Speaking to the Morning Star on the picket line Zak said “All we need is to get a discussion going and we can save jobs here and we need the information that’s needed to make the changes. Bradford University can do what other institutions have done in the sector and commit to no redundancies.”

Jo Grady went on to tell the Morning Star that “Bradford staff have no choice but to down tools because they refuse to see important courses cut, jobs axed and staff and students pay the price for management’s financial failings”

You can read about other UCU news items by clicking here.

With the next period of strike action just under two weeks away, the branch will hold an extraordinary general meeting to update members on progress in negotiation as well as plans for picketing over the next block of strike action.

The branch held its annual general meeting on 2 July in accordance with the requirements of our local rules.

You can view the slides from the meeting here.

Election of Officers

All members were invited to submit nominations for committee roles; the returning officer confirmed that only one role was contested, the remainder being ratified at the meeting for the following academic session.

A poll of those present was conducted for the role of Equality Officer; the successful candidate was Barbara McNamara, with the unsuccessful candidate Libby Becket-Wrighton agreeing to join the committee as an ordinary member. Welcome to all our new committee members as well as those who retained their roles.

President – Dawn Clarke
Vice-President – Vacant
Health & Safety Officer – Vacant
Communications Officer – Stephen Hickey
Casework Coordinator – Sarah George
Treasurer – David Smith
Secretary – Suspended / BAO
Membership Secretary – Zak Hughes
Equality Officer – Barbara McNamara
Ordinary Committee Members (10)
– Gabor Batonyi
– Ivan Reid
– Jennifer Rowland
– Sian Howells
– Lindsay Rountree
– Cristina Tuinea-Bobe
– Colins Imoh
– Libby Beckett-Wrighton
Congress Delegate – Zak Hughes
Regional Delegates (2) – Zak Hughes, Gabor Batonyi
B&S Trades Council (3) – Zak Hughes

Motions were tabled in relation to:

• Motion 1 – the creation of an Academic Related Professional Services Officer role to reinforce that UCU represents both academic and ARPS employees.
• Motion 2 – Approaches to the deployment of the local hardship fund to augment any support from the central strike support fund (NB the branch awaits a response to our application for central support).

Details of the motions can be seen by reference to presentation slides

Election of Equality Officer

• Barbara McNamara – 42
• Libby Becket-Wrighton – 28

Motion 1 – ARPS Officer

• For – 50
• Against – 1
• Abstain – 5

Motion 2 – Hardship Fund

• For – 51
• Against – 0
• Abstain – 6

Transformational Change Update

Please refer to slides for update information, including ‘principles’ that form the basis of an upcoming offer from management.

Members were apprised of the latest developments in negotiation that culminated in the principles being communicated late yesterday evening. It was considered that whilst there was little of substance, there was sufficient potential in the areas outlined in the principles that negotiators could pursue with the aim of clarifying and solidifying the offer.

On that basis committee outlined a proposal to reschedule the next 4 day period of action to give time and space for that negotiation to take place, and to demonstrate the branch’s commitment to finding a solution. It was stressed that there was no intention at this stage to reduce the total number of strike days on the schedule.

Members debated this approach against the merits of either continuing with action next week and/or rescheduling just some of the days. There was a feeling amongst some members that to deviate from planned action may send the wrong message, however Committee stressed the strategic advantage both of showing flexibility whilst at the same time building pressure; Committee felt that there was more impact in having a block of days’ action and that the reschedule date chosen was perhaps more impactful (marking), but that an indicative ballot would inform final decisions on how to proceed.

Indicative Ballot on Rescheduling Action

• Reschedule Action – For – 84%
• Reschedule Action – Against – 16%

• Move 4 days of action – 46%
• Move 3 days of action – 29%
• Move 2 days of action – 25%

The Committee decision based on the above indicative ballot was to adopt the most popular option of rescheduling action currently scheduled for 7/8th and 10/11th July to the early part of August. A newsletter announcing the change will be issued later this week, and the decision communicated to management.

Phase 2 Professional Services Ring-Fencing

Management proposals to deviate from Organisational Change protocols on ring-fencing were outlined – refer to presentation slides for the detail of the proposed changes, which at this stage are proposed solely for P2PS.

It was noted that both Unite and Unison agreed to the proposal but that UCU remained concerned that such a change may lead to an increase in the number of redundancies. UCU believes that at least theoretically there would be winners and losers amongst our PS members, although it is impossible to predict how it will play out in practice.

UCU position remains that the approved Organisational Change Policy should be adhered to, and DOES NOT support ad hoc deviation from policy.

UCU expects that despite its opposition the management proposal will be adopted with the support of Unite and Unison, but that UCU will intervene and provide support in instances where individual members feel disadvantaged by this approach.

Any Other Business

UCU Data Breach – it was noted that there had not been an update on progress since November 2024 following the data breach that occurred in August 2024. The branch will contact region to get an update for members.

Picket Line Safety – The latest picket took place in searing temperatures on one of the hottest days of the year. Water, headgear, and sunscreen was made available for those attending the picket. It was suggested that it would be sensible to prepare a risk assessment for future events.

The branch held an Extraordinary General Meeting on 25th June 2025 to update members on progress in negotiations over Transformational Change programme and plans for industrial action.

you can see slides from the EGM here