Fresh strikes to hit University of Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam University over job cuts
Strike action could begin next month
Last updated 30th Oct 2025
Fresh strike action is planned next month and in December at the University of Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam University, in an ongoing dispute over job cuts.
At the University of Sheffield staff in several areas of teaching are at risk of redundancy, although the number at risk isn't yet clear.
Sheffield Hallam is not ruling out compulsory job cuts, having already shed 500 roles last year and 170 over the course of this year.
UCU general secretary Jo Grady said: "There is no justification for compulsory redundancies at the University of Sheffield or Sheffield Hallam, especially when there are other options available."
"We will not accept threats to the jobs of our members, and neither will we accept staff working conditions being degraded through stress and ever-increasing workload pressures.
"Striking is a last resort for our members, but this action shows they have had enough and are prepared to fight back. If the employers do not see sense and reverse the job cuts, they can expect to see disruption across the city in November and December."
A spokesperson for Sheffield Hallam said: "We are disappointed that UCU Hallam has announced dates for industrial action. However, we will do everything possible to minimise the impact on our students and wider university community. The University, including our libraries, study spaces, and facilities, will all remain open as normal.
“Like all universities, we have had to make some tough decisions due to the financial challenges being faced across higher education. To date, we have been able to make significant savings without the need for any compulsory redundancies.
“The overall financial picture for universities is likely to be challenging for some time. However, we will continue to seek to avoid compulsory redundancies where possible and continue to engage closely and constructively with our staff and trade union representatives."
A spokesperson for the University of Sheffield said: “We made a commitment to UCU that we would not make any compulsory redundancies this calendar year, and we remain committed to this agreement.
“We have also made an offer to extend this commitment until the end of April 2026. This is as a result of the careful and considered approach we are taking in response to the current challenges facing the higher education sector, including a reduction in income from international students.
“While UCU has chosen not to put this offer to its members and has announced plans for industrial action, we remain hopeful that this can be avoided through continuing our constructive dialogue. However, if industrial action does go ahead, our focus will be on doing everything we can to minimise any impact on our students and staff.”
The strike dates at each uni are as follows:
University of Sheffield
Monday 17, Tuesday 18, Wednesday 19, and Friday 21 November
Monday 24 to Thursday 27 November
Monday 1, Tuesday 2, Wednesday 4 and Friday 5 December
Tuesday 9 to Friday 12 December
Sheffield Hallam University
Tuesday 11, Wednesday 12 and Thursday 13 November
Monday 17 to Thursday 20 November
Monday 1 to Friday 5 December