Introduction to the industrial action
An overview of industrial action at Sheffield.
In February 2025, the University and College Union (UCU) Sheffield branch opened a ballot asking members if they are prepared to take industrial action. The dispute centres on the union seeking a guarantee from the University that there will be no compulsory redundancies.
The ballot closed on 31 March and members voted in favour of industrial action in the form of strike action and action short of strike (ASOS).
UCU has confirmed it will ask its members to take 10 days of strike action on the following dates:
- Wednesday 30 April
- Tuesday 6 May to Friday 9 May
- Monday 12 May to Friday 16 May
They will also ask members to take continuous ASOS from Thursday 1 May onwards, to include:
- Not covering for absent colleagues, vacant posts, or posts that are discontinued due to change management
- Not undertaking any voluntary activities
- Not undertaking duties which are not commensurate with the grade of the post
- Not using personal devices to conduct work
- Not rescheduling lectures or classes cancelled as a result of strike action
- Not sharing materials relating to lectures or classes cancelled as a result of strike action
During periods of industrial action, our priority is to mitigate the impacts of the action on our students and we expect the vast majority of our students and staff will be unaffected by any industrial action. Where we do experience some disruption, we will do everything we can to support our students and to minimise the impact. We will continue to keep our students and staff updated.
Information for staff about industrial action and the University's position