Strike ballot opens at University of Leicester over redundancies dispute

The University and College Union (UCU) has opened a ballot for strike action at the University of Leicester following a dispute over university leadership’s refusal to rule out compulsory redundancies in the upcoming academic year.

Staff  in a number of academic departments, including chemistry, history, geography, film studies and modern languages have been informed they may face redundancy. 

In addition, hundreds of professional services staff across five key operational areas have also been placed in “pre-change” processes and may also be at risk. 

Despite repeated requests from UCU to commit to avoiding compulsory job losses, the university’s vice-chancellor “refused to provide such assurances”, citing financial pressures. 

In light of this the union is calling on the university to guarantee that there will be no compulsory redundancies during the 2025-26 academic year. 

The University of Leicester has reported a deficit far smaller as a proportion of income than over 80 other UK universities. Building sales have helped reduce the projected 2024-25 deficit to £2.9m, “well below” the £16m in cash and equivalents the university held at the end of July 2024. 

The union argued that the university’s spending priorities, including £46m annually on capital projects and £1.5m a year on external consultants, should be reconsidered to avoid job losses. 

The ballot runs from 28 July to 29  August and could lead to industrial action in the autumn. 

A vote in favour would authorise both strike action and action short of a strike (ASOS), which will include refusing to work beyond contractual duties, covering for colleagues, or participating in recruitment and graduation activities. 

UCU general secretary Jo Grady said:  “Staff at Leicester have already made significant sacrifices, and they continue to deliver world-class teaching and research despite mounting pressures. There is no justification for compulsory redundancies, especially when the university has other options on the table and continues to waste money on capital projects. 

“The executive’s refusal to rule out job cuts is a failure of leadership, and UCU members are ready to take action to defend both their colleagues and the integrity of their institution.”