Uni of Derby staff back strike action in dispute over redundancies
The UCU branch said it has made repeated attempts to secure guarantees through negotiation, but senior management has not committed to avoiding further job cuts
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Staff at the University of Derby have voted to take strike action in a dispute over potential compulsory redundancies and course closures for the 2025/26 academic year.
The University and College Union (UCU) said 82% of participating members backed strike action, with 93% supporting action short of a strike on a 66% turnout. The ballot follows two earlier rounds of job losses that affected research and managerial roles.
The dispute centres on the university’s refusal to rule out compulsory redundancies or course closures. The union said this stance is unjustified, pointing to recent capital spending that includes £75m on the Cavendish Building project.
The UCU branch said it has made repeated attempts to secure guarantees through negotiation, but senior management has not committed to avoiding further job cuts. It added that the standoff could be resolved if the vice-chancellor and senior leadership pledge no compulsory redundancies and no course closures.
UCU general secretary Jo Grady said the ballot result showed the strength of staff feeling across the sector.
She said: “This overwhelming mandate for action at Derby is yet another sign that university staff across the UK will not tolerate needless cuts.
“The university’s management could resolve this dispute immediately by ruling out compulsory redundancies and working with UCU to develop a fair, sustainable financial plan. Staff deserve security, respect, and a voice in shaping the future of their institution.”