University of Sheffield staff set to be formally balloted on strike action

Staff at the University of Sheffield are set to be formally balloted on strike action by the University and College Union (UCU).

It comes after the university’s UCU branch submitted a collective grievance motion in December, launching a formal dispute process. Negotiations between the two parties did not result in a resolution.

Earlier this month, a Sheffield UCU indicative ballot found staff were “strongly” in favour of industrial action.

In a statement yesterday evening [14th February], Sheffield UCU said: “This afternoon, UCU informed the Vice Chancellor that we will be formally balloting for local industrial action at the University of Sheffield in relation to proposed cuts to the staffing budget and the threats to staff jobs due to restructuring.

“We have negotiated in good faith with management, and suggested concrete alternatives to staff cuts. The uni continues to push ahead, despite high levels of voluntary severance.

“We must now stand together to protect livelihoods and resist short-sighted and demonstrably aggressive cuts to jobs.”

Amid the university’s £50m shortfall, it is aiming to regain financial surplus by the 2026/27 academic year. Reducing staff costs by £23m is part of this – with £9m in cuts planned this year, and £14m next year.

The Sheffield Tab understands that, should staff vote again in favour of industrial action, it will most likely begin this spring.

The University of Sheffield declined to comment.

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