The fight against possible redundancies is being led by your branch committee, with support from dedicated working groups and individual representation.
However, the reality is that the fight against redundancies cannot be won by the branch committee alone. We need the support and activism of our members, standing together to fight for each other’s livelihoods.
On March 12 2025, UCU members voted to declare a dispute. Meetings have been held with the University but so far the VC has not stepped back from the spectre of redundancies. As a result of this, on April 4, 2025, we wrote to the VC once again to inform her that the dispute has not been resolved. UCU reserves the right to progress the dispute, which could include industrial action.
To this end, we will be launching an indicative electronic ballot asking you what support you are willing to give in defence of colleagues’ jobs and provision for students. The eballot opens on April 10 and closes on May 9. Please check your inboxes during this period and vote accordingly.
The branch continues to make preparations for future steps. Look out for further and important correspondence from us as things develop.
If the decision is to take industrial action UK anti-trade union laws requires more than a simple majority vote to secure a mandate for industrial action. At least 50% of members must vote. It is therefore absolutely crucial that you vote and encourage your colleagues to do the same.
Industrial action is always the last resort but one that may be needed to shift management’s position. While we enter all discussions in good faith, the reality is that management has shown little to no inclination to reverse their stance on redundancies. This will not be a battle won through strongly worded letters —it will be won by members standing united and forcing the University to change its position. As we outline elsewhere, another way forward is not only possible—but essential.