Strike action ends at Newcastle University as compulsory redundancy plans scrapped

Newcastle University announced that there will be no compulsory staff redundancies, with UCU ending its strikes as a result.

The institution confirmed it had saved £20 million without the need for job cuts, following 44 days of industrial action.

Staff had been striking since March over university management’s plans to implement compulsory redundancies to reach its £35m target for budget cuts.

As similar strikes continue at universities across the country, this outcome is being seen as a victory by other unions.  UCU general secretary Jo Grady said: “I want to congratulate every single UCU member who has stood firm on the picket line.

“Every senior university manager from across the UK now needs to look at what our members have achieved in Newcastle and heed the warning: Work with us to save jobs and protect student provision or you will face sustained disruption.”

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Newcastle University insists it isn’t giving in to strike action, but says the decision is due to a change in its financial position.

A Newcastle University spokesperson said: “The University has now achieved its £20m target of salary savings in full and without the need for compulsory redundancies. This has been achieved through a combination of voluntary severance, redeployments, and a range of other mitigating measures.

“This is an immensely challenging time for universities across the UK, and we are grateful to everyone in our community for their commitment and patience as we navigate towards long term financial sustainability. In making these difficult changes now, we are ensuring we continue as a world-class university.”