Staff back strike action after job cuts threatened at University of Sheffield International College
Members of the UCU have unanimously backed walkouts
Last updated 28th Jan 2025
Staff have voted for strike action at the University of Sheffield International College, after dozens of them were put at risk of redundancy.
36 jobs are threatened at the school, which is run by private firm Study Group and provides English language skills to students from abroad.
100% of University and College Union (UCU) members who voted in the ballot approved of strike action.
The union claims Study Group is pushing for cuts due to a fall in student numbers, but ahs also told staff the shortage is a 'short term' problem.
The college operator recently signed a 10 year deal with the University of Sheffield to run the facility.
USIC UCU branch chair Sam Morecroft said:
‘It is clear these redundancies have nothing to do with falling student numbers and everything to do with an attempt to force an untested standardised operating model on our college, which will increase staff workload and reduce the quality of academic and pastoral support our students receive."
"Our members are prepared to strike unless the employer removes the threat of compulsory redundancies.
"Study Group now needs to begin meaningful negotiations and look at other cost-saving measures to close what it says is only a short-term financial gap."
In a statement, a spokesperson for Study Group said: “Study Group is committed to providing an excellent education to international students from around the world. "
“Like many universities and higher education providers, we need to adapt our staffing levels to recent changes in international recruitment and regrettably this sometimes means reducing employee numbers.
"We very much regret UCU members at Sheffield International College have made this decision, especially after months of active engagement to try to avoid such an outcome.
"We will however ensure that any strike action minimises impact on our students and their education."