Student group forms in solidarity with Lancaster University strike action

Following Lancaster University and College Union’s (UCU) announcement that it would be conducting action short of a strike (ASOS), a student solidarity group has formed to support staff. 

ASOS action began this week and is expected to continue until April 2026 at the latest. This has been in response to potential staff job cuts as a way for the university to save money, with further strike action not yet confirmed. 

The terms of ASOS include staff members working directly to their contract, meaning university employees are being instructed not to upload material from sessions cancelled due to strikes, not to respond to emails outside of work hours, and not to participate in voluntary activities.

The new Lancaster Student Solidarity Instagram page posted a statement on Monday evening (10th November), captioned: “Don’t let Lancaster University destroy our education! They cannot sustain a university without staff – they are the reason us students have a university!

“Join us in supporting staff while they are in ASOS and beyond to protect not just their livelihoods, but also our education!”

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A post shared by Students Support Strikes (@lancaster.student.solidarity)

The statement says staff who face redundancies are “fundamental” to the university experience, adding that a loss of 25 per cent of academics and Professional Services (PS) staff will directly impact students.

However, Lancaster University said it has a “proposed full-time equivalent (FTE) staff reduction of approximately 417 FTE staff out of a population of 3,344 FTE staff – a proposed reduction of around one in eight.” 

The proposal of hundreds of job cuts at the university, alongside the refurbishment of the Management School and the opening of a new India campus, has led to backlash from students. 

Lancaster University told The Lancaster Tab its “model of working in partnership means that the University does not incur costs of buildings or infrastructure overseas”.

The Lancaster University Students’ Union President, Rory O’Ceallaigh, said in a video posted to Instagram that LUSU “are in talks with the university and the LUCU to ensure that the student experience is prioritised.”

Lancaster University Students’ Union VP Education, Liz Gillet told The Lancaster Tab: “LU Students Support the UCU are not a LUSU-affiliated group. The student-led group has recognised that there is an inherent tension between the short-term effect of ASOS and potential strikes, and the long-term impacts of reduction of staff.

“Currently LUSU does not take a for or against stance towards the strikes, as our stance is to prioritise students and urge that the conflict be resolved swiftly in the best interest of everyone. We are informing and guiding students on what to do if they are affected. We recommend that students speak to their departments, academic reps and keep a record of dates/times and modules affected.”

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A post shared by Rory O’Ceallaigh (@lusupresident)

Lancaster University said: “Lancaster University is determined to remain a recognised sector leader which has a transformative impact on students’ lives and on the communities in which we operate.

“In the light of financial pressures impacting the whole UK university sector, including a decline in international student numbers, Lancaster University is having to make very difficult but necessary decisions.

“As part of this process, the university is seeking cost savings of £30M from our payroll budget across both academic and professional services. This means a proposed full-time equivalent (FTE) staff reduction of approximately 417 FTE staff out of a population of 3,344 FTE staff – a proposed reduction of around one in eight.

“While we are working to find non-payroll savings, some capital projects are essential investments which enable the university to continue to operate as a safe and attractive place to live, work and study for our students and staff.

“No compulsory redundancies have been announced and at this stage we are still making every effort to try to find these savings through voluntary means – a process which is currently underway in consultation with our trade unions.

“Overseas campuses are vital to diversifying Lancaster University’s income and the university has significant experience of these ventures. Lancaster’s model of working in partnership means that the university does not incur costs of buildings or infrastructure overseas.

“The India proposal is at an early stage and will be fully developed over the coming year with a view to opening in 2027.

“We recognise that this period of change is a deeply unsettling time for our staff, students, and the communities we serve, and we do not enter into this process lightly. However, achieving financial sustainability is essential to securing the university’s future.”

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Featured image before edits via @lancaster.student.solidarity on Instagram