University and College Union (UCU)
@ucu.org.uk
UK trade union for academics, lecturers, trainers, researchers and professional services staff in further education, higher education, prison education, and adult and community education.
🚨 FE strike action 🚨
Staff at 25 colleges strike 14-16 Jan over pay and conditions.
📍 National rally: Emmanual Centre, Westminster, Fri 16 Jan, 12pm
UCU is demanding a New Deal for FE , pay parity and national bargaining.
www.ucu.org.uk/article/1430...
Staff at 25 colleges strike 14-16 Jan over pay and conditions.
📍 National rally: Emmanual Centre, Westminster, Fri 16 Jan, 12pm
UCU is demanding a New Deal for FE , pay parity and national bargaining.
www.ucu.org.uk/article/1430...
Staff at 25 English college employers to strike for better pay and working conditions
Staff at 25 colleges across England will begin three days of strike action next week after college bosses refused to make fair offers over pay and working conditions, the University and College Union ...
www.ucu.org.uk
January 9, 2026 at 2:46 PM
🚨 FE strike action 🚨
Staff at 25 colleges strike 14-16 Jan over pay and conditions.
📍 National rally: Emmanual Centre, Westminster, Fri 16 Jan, 12pm
UCU is demanding a New Deal for FE , pay parity and national bargaining.
www.ucu.org.uk/article/1430...
Staff at 25 colleges strike 14-16 Jan over pay and conditions.
📍 National rally: Emmanual Centre, Westminster, Fri 16 Jan, 12pm
UCU is demanding a New Deal for FE , pay parity and national bargaining.
www.ucu.org.uk/article/1430...
Staff at Durham University are balloting to strike over workloads and job insecurity.
“Goodwill is not limitless.” @drjogrady.bsky.social
“Goodwill is not limitless.” @drjogrady.bsky.social
Strike ballot looms at Durham University over workloads and job insecurity
Staff at Durham University are moving towards a strike ballot after senior management refused to engage constructively with the union over untenable workloads and worsening job insecurity, UCU announc...
www.ucu.org.uk
January 8, 2026 at 6:37 PM
Staff at Durham University are balloting to strike over workloads and job insecurity.
“Goodwill is not limitless.” @drjogrady.bsky.social
“Goodwill is not limitless.” @drjogrady.bsky.social
Staff shortages put Dundee’s architecture course at risk, students organised and won.
Teaching has been reinstated in full.
Collective action works.
Teaching has been reinstated in full.
Collective action works.
Dundee architecture students win fight against course-threatening staff shortages
University of Dundee architecture students have successfully campaigned to address a shortage of teaching staff which threatened accreditation of courses
www.architectsjournal.co.uk
January 8, 2026 at 5:51 PM
Staff shortages put Dundee’s architecture course at risk, students organised and won.
Teaching has been reinstated in full.
Collective action works.
Teaching has been reinstated in full.
Collective action works.
On Tuesday, the Israeli military invaded Birzeit University, attacking students with live ammunition.
Israel's scholasticide is a core part of its attempt to obliterate the collective life of the Palestinian people.
We have written to Yvette Cooper urging the British government to take action.
Israel's scholasticide is a core part of its attempt to obliterate the collective life of the Palestinian people.
We have written to Yvette Cooper urging the British government to take action.
January 8, 2026 at 1:19 PM
On Tuesday, the Israeli military invaded Birzeit University, attacking students with live ammunition.
Israel's scholasticide is a core part of its attempt to obliterate the collective life of the Palestinian people.
We have written to Yvette Cooper urging the British government to take action.
Israel's scholasticide is a core part of its attempt to obliterate the collective life of the Palestinian people.
We have written to Yvette Cooper urging the British government to take action.
In just under a week, we head into action.
Back in November, FE members voted 90% YES for action.
Since then, over 17 colleges have already won pay awards and 28 colleges will take strike action.
🔗 Full list of colleges involved: tr.ee/7b9M2lu8n5
Back in November, FE members voted 90% YES for action.
Since then, over 17 colleges have already won pay awards and 28 colleges will take strike action.
🔗 Full list of colleges involved: tr.ee/7b9M2lu8n5
90% voted YES.
32 colleges over the line.
17 colleges already won pay awards.
This is a huge organising win for our FE members.
College bosses must work with us, staff deserve a fair deal, especially when many are paid £7k–£9k less than in sixth forms.
Next steps announced next week.
32 colleges over the line.
17 colleges already won pay awards.
This is a huge organising win for our FE members.
College bosses must work with us, staff deserve a fair deal, especially when many are paid £7k–£9k less than in sixth forms.
Next steps announced next week.
January 8, 2026 at 12:27 PM
In just under a week, we head into action.
Back in November, FE members voted 90% YES for action.
Since then, over 17 colleges have already won pay awards and 28 colleges will take strike action.
🔗 Full list of colleges involved: tr.ee/7b9M2lu8n5
Back in November, FE members voted 90% YES for action.
Since then, over 17 colleges have already won pay awards and 28 colleges will take strike action.
🔗 Full list of colleges involved: tr.ee/7b9M2lu8n5
Reposted by University and College Union (UCU)
NO TO BUSINESS AS USUAL WITH PUTIN'S OLIGARCHS - PROTEST AT TORY HEAD OFFICE
Join us at Conservative Party HQ Wednesday 7 January, from 5pm, to say no to the Shadow Attorney General working to protect oligarch Roman Abramovich
More soon. Email [email protected]
Join us at Conservative Party HQ Wednesday 7 January, from 5pm, to say no to the Shadow Attorney General working to protect oligarch Roman Abramovich
More soon. Email [email protected]
January 2, 2026 at 1:41 PM
NO TO BUSINESS AS USUAL WITH PUTIN'S OLIGARCHS - PROTEST AT TORY HEAD OFFICE
Join us at Conservative Party HQ Wednesday 7 January, from 5pm, to say no to the Shadow Attorney General working to protect oligarch Roman Abramovich
More soon. Email [email protected]
Join us at Conservative Party HQ Wednesday 7 January, from 5pm, to say no to the Shadow Attorney General working to protect oligarch Roman Abramovich
More soon. Email [email protected]
Reposted by University and College Union (UCU)
Aberdeen, Heriot-Watt, Stirling and Strathclyde threatened with industrial action over possible job losses. @helenpacker.bsky.social reports
#highered
#highered
Strike ballots open at four Scottish universities over job losses
Aberdeen, Heriot-Watt, Stirling and Strathclyde threatened with industrial action as Scottish government’s review of higher education funding begins
www.timeshighereducation.com
January 5, 2026 at 12:44 PM
Aberdeen, Heriot-Watt, Stirling and Strathclyde threatened with industrial action over possible job losses. @helenpacker.bsky.social reports
#highered
#highered
UCU 2025: Moments That Mattered
A year of resistance, solidarity and collective action.
From defending jobs and pay to standing up to the far right and speaking out for peace.
Thank you to every UCU member who made this year count.
Roll on 2026.
A year of resistance, solidarity and collective action.
From defending jobs and pay to standing up to the far right and speaking out for peace.
Thank you to every UCU member who made this year count.
Roll on 2026.
December 31, 2025 at 6:08 PM
UCU 2025: Moments That Mattered
A year of resistance, solidarity and collective action.
From defending jobs and pay to standing up to the far right and speaking out for peace.
Thank you to every UCU member who made this year count.
Roll on 2026.
A year of resistance, solidarity and collective action.
From defending jobs and pay to standing up to the far right and speaking out for peace.
Thank you to every UCU member who made this year count.
Roll on 2026.
Reposted by University and College Union (UCU)
Cardiff University students are demanding that the university authorities answer a series of searching questions following a traumatic year in which more than 1,800 academics were originally put ‘in scope’ for redundancy ✍️Martin Shipton
Students call on Cardiff University to 'open the books' as cuts concerns continue
Martin Shipton Cardiff University students are demanding that the university authorities answer a series of searching questions following a traumatic year in which more than 1,800 academics were origi...
wp.me
December 30, 2025 at 7:46 PM
Cardiff University students are demanding that the university authorities answer a series of searching questions following a traumatic year in which more than 1,800 academics were originally put ‘in scope’ for redundancy ✍️Martin Shipton
Reposted by University and College Union (UCU)
Defenders of high Vice Chancellor pay say it’s irrelevant to the poor state of university finances
At Cambridge University, senior management pay rose from £7m to £32m in 5 years. It's not only the VC whose pay has soared!
This is a surge comparable to university’s annual deficit
At Cambridge University, senior management pay rose from £7m to £32m in 5 years. It's not only the VC whose pay has soared!
This is a surge comparable to university’s annual deficit
December 30, 2025 at 3:13 PM
Defenders of high Vice Chancellor pay say it’s irrelevant to the poor state of university finances
At Cambridge University, senior management pay rose from £7m to £32m in 5 years. It's not only the VC whose pay has soared!
This is a surge comparable to university’s annual deficit
At Cambridge University, senior management pay rose from £7m to £32m in 5 years. It's not only the VC whose pay has soared!
This is a surge comparable to university’s annual deficit
Leicester VC Prof Nishan Canagarajah gets a knighthood.
A tribunal ruled three academics were unfairly dismissed during the same period and redundancies loom.
Universities need investment and government intervention, not gongs.
A tribunal ruled three academics were unfairly dismissed during the same period and redundancies loom.
Universities need investment and government intervention, not gongs.
December 30, 2025 at 10:28 PM
Leicester VC Prof Nishan Canagarajah gets a knighthood.
A tribunal ruled three academics were unfairly dismissed during the same period and redundancies loom.
Universities need investment and government intervention, not gongs.
A tribunal ruled three academics were unfairly dismissed during the same period and redundancies loom.
Universities need investment and government intervention, not gongs.
A Christmas message from @drjogrady.bsky.social.
December 23, 2025 at 8:54 PM
A Christmas message from @drjogrady.bsky.social.
Show your support to colleagues at Nottingham.
Another day, another news story on the catastrophic choices behind Future Nottingham.
How many signs do we need that we're careening in the wrong direction?
#StopTheCuts #SaveHE
www.timeshighereducation.com/news/staff-f...
How many signs do we need that we're careening in the wrong direction?
#StopTheCuts #SaveHE
www.timeshighereducation.com/news/staff-f...
Staff fear ‘catastrophic’ impact of Nottingham ‘consolidation’
Increases to staff-student ratios could send university into a ‘death spiral’, says union leader as vice-chancellor insists institution must act now
www.timeshighereducation.com
December 23, 2025 at 4:52 PM
Show your support to colleagues at Nottingham.
University of Sheffield International College staff vote to strike over pay and conditions.
90% of those who voted backed strike action.
Staff are demanding fair pay, proper recognition of workload, paid carers’ leave and more annual leave.
www.ucu.org.uk/article/1429...
90% of those who voted backed strike action.
Staff are demanding fair pay, proper recognition of workload, paid carers’ leave and more annual leave.
www.ucu.org.uk/article/1429...
University of Sheffield International College staff to strike over pay and conditions
Staff at the University of Sheffield International College (USIC) have voted overwhelmingly for strike action in a dispute over pay and conditions, the University and College Union (UCU) announced tod...
www.ucu.org.uk
December 23, 2025 at 4:52 PM
University of Sheffield International College staff vote to strike over pay and conditions.
90% of those who voted backed strike action.
Staff are demanding fair pay, proper recognition of workload, paid carers’ leave and more annual leave.
www.ucu.org.uk/article/1429...
90% of those who voted backed strike action.
Staff are demanding fair pay, proper recognition of workload, paid carers’ leave and more annual leave.
www.ucu.org.uk/article/1429...
Great to see Northumbria getting the getting the vote out for their ballot! Show your support to our colleagues in the north.
Didn't think a cooler postbox for a @ucunorthumbria.bsky.social ballot paper was possible, did you (see pic below)? But maybe one is (see this pic)! @ucu.org.uk
December 22, 2025 at 11:39 AM
Great to see Northumbria getting the getting the vote out for their ballot! Show your support to our colleagues in the north.
We are deeply concerned for the health of Qesser Zuhrah, who has been on hunger strike for 46 days.
We join those calling on the government to act now, and address the serious concerns raised by lawyers acting for the prisoners.
We join those calling on the government to act now, and address the serious concerns raised by lawyers acting for the prisoners.
December 18, 2025 at 6:47 PM
We are deeply concerned for the health of Qesser Zuhrah, who has been on hunger strike for 46 days.
We join those calling on the government to act now, and address the serious concerns raised by lawyers acting for the prisoners.
We join those calling on the government to act now, and address the serious concerns raised by lawyers acting for the prisoners.
A much needed wake-up call for the University of Birmingham.
The HSE has confirmed what staff have said for years: excessive workloads and chronic stress are systemic and causing real harm.
Now we need real change not just box-ticking.
The HSE has confirmed what staff have said for years: excessive workloads and chronic stress are systemic and causing real harm.
Now we need real change not just box-ticking.
Oh hey it finally made the media, only a week after the letter was actually sent.
FWIW despite being legally obliged to share with all staff, he so far hasn't.
www.timeshighereducation.com/news/birming...
FWIW despite being legally obliged to share with all staff, he so far hasn't.
www.timeshighereducation.com/news/birming...
Birmingham reprimanded over its management of work-related stress
Investigation by Health and Safety Executive found institution ‘does not have appropriate arrangements in place’ to manage burnout among staff
www.timeshighereducation.com
December 18, 2025 at 3:03 PM
A much needed wake-up call for the University of Birmingham.
The HSE has confirmed what staff have said for years: excessive workloads and chronic stress are systemic and causing real harm.
Now we need real change not just box-ticking.
The HSE has confirmed what staff have said for years: excessive workloads and chronic stress are systemic and causing real harm.
Now we need real change not just box-ticking.
We welcome the return of Erasmus.
But how welcoming is the UK for international students?
Rising costs, visa restrictions and growing uncertainty are driving international students away.
Time to make the UK a genuinely welcoming place to study again.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c4...
But how welcoming is the UK for international students?
Rising costs, visa restrictions and growing uncertainty are driving international students away.
Time to make the UK a genuinely welcoming place to study again.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c4...
Students react to UK rejoining Erasmus scheme as Tories accuse ministers of caving into EU
British students will be able to spend a year studying at EU universities without paying extra fees, and vice versa for European students.
www.bbc.co.uk
December 18, 2025 at 12:10 PM
We welcome the return of Erasmus.
But how welcoming is the UK for international students?
Rising costs, visa restrictions and growing uncertainty are driving international students away.
Time to make the UK a genuinely welcoming place to study again.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c4...
But how welcoming is the UK for international students?
Rising costs, visa restrictions and growing uncertainty are driving international students away.
Time to make the UK a genuinely welcoming place to study again.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c4...
You don’t fix the skills crisis while underpaying FE staff.
Helen Hayes MP challenged the PM on pay parity asking how colleges can attract industry experts without proper pay.
Helen Hayes MP challenged the PM on pay parity asking how colleges can attract industry experts without proper pay.
December 17, 2025 at 4:06 PM
You don’t fix the skills crisis while underpaying FE staff.
Helen Hayes MP challenged the PM on pay parity asking how colleges can attract industry experts without proper pay.
Helen Hayes MP challenged the PM on pay parity asking how colleges can attract industry experts without proper pay.
As staff face redundancy notices and students struggle with rising costs, vice-chancellors are still being handed bonuses worth tens of thousands of pounds.
Vice-chancellors handed bonuses as universities face cutbacks
Institutions including Nottingham Trent and LSE awarded bonuses, pension perks and accommodation benefits as the sector cut staff and reported losses
www.thetimes.com
December 17, 2025 at 2:22 PM
As staff face redundancy notices and students struggle with rising costs, vice-chancellors are still being handed bonuses worth tens of thousands of pounds.
Another way FE colleges are held back - an unjust tax rule.
Unlike other post-16 providers, FE colleges cannot reclaim VAT. Helen Hayes MP challenged the Prime Minister on this.
If the government is serious about skills, Treasury must fix this.
Unlike other post-16 providers, FE colleges cannot reclaim VAT. Helen Hayes MP challenged the Prime Minister on this.
If the government is serious about skills, Treasury must fix this.
December 17, 2025 at 12:51 PM
Another way FE colleges are held back - an unjust tax rule.
Unlike other post-16 providers, FE colleges cannot reclaim VAT. Helen Hayes MP challenged the Prime Minister on this.
If the government is serious about skills, Treasury must fix this.
Unlike other post-16 providers, FE colleges cannot reclaim VAT. Helen Hayes MP challenged the Prime Minister on this.
If the government is serious about skills, Treasury must fix this.
Frozen Russian assets must be transferred to Ukraine.
Join the London protest on Wednesday 17 December as part of a Europe-wide week of action ahead of the Council of Europe summit.
📍 5.30pm Europe House
📍 6.30pm Parliament (George V statue)
ukrainesolidaritycampaign.org/2025/12/10/p...
Join the London protest on Wednesday 17 December as part of a Europe-wide week of action ahead of the Council of Europe summit.
📍 5.30pm Europe House
📍 6.30pm Parliament (George V statue)
ukrainesolidaritycampaign.org/2025/12/10/p...
Protest 17 December: Make Russia pay – Send the assets to Ukraine
Protest called by Ukraine Solidarity Campaign, Vsesvit and Campaign for Ukraine One of a number of demonstrations across Europe in the week running up to the Council of Europe summit: see here Wedn…
ukrainesolidaritycampaign.org
December 16, 2025 at 3:09 PM
Frozen Russian assets must be transferred to Ukraine.
Join the London protest on Wednesday 17 December as part of a Europe-wide week of action ahead of the Council of Europe summit.
📍 5.30pm Europe House
📍 6.30pm Parliament (George V statue)
ukrainesolidaritycampaign.org/2025/12/10/p...
Join the London protest on Wednesday 17 December as part of a Europe-wide week of action ahead of the Council of Europe summit.
📍 5.30pm Europe House
📍 6.30pm Parliament (George V statue)
ukrainesolidaritycampaign.org/2025/12/10/p...
Bonuses of £50k. £100k. Even £145k.
All while the sector is in crisis.
UCU general secretary @drjogrady.bsky.social says vice-chancellors should “do the charitable thing and donate their bonuses to the food banks that will be supporting far too many students”.
All while the sector is in crisis.
UCU general secretary @drjogrady.bsky.social says vice-chancellors should “do the charitable thing and donate their bonuses to the food banks that will be supporting far too many students”.
Vice-chancellor bonuses growing despite sector funding crisis
Universities defend decision to award some vice-chancellors larger bonuses than last year, with one private institution giving boss over £100K
www.timeshighereducation.com
December 16, 2025 at 2:21 PM
Bonuses of £50k. £100k. Even £145k.
All while the sector is in crisis.
UCU general secretary @drjogrady.bsky.social says vice-chancellors should “do the charitable thing and donate their bonuses to the food banks that will be supporting far too many students”.
All while the sector is in crisis.
UCU general secretary @drjogrady.bsky.social says vice-chancellors should “do the charitable thing and donate their bonuses to the food banks that will be supporting far too many students”.
The voices of division in our country are growing louder.
It’s up to us to unite against them.
Join us in London on 28 March for the #TOGETHER Against the Far Right national demonstration.
Save the date and sign-up for updates: togetheralliance.org.uk
It’s up to us to unite against them.
Join us in London on 28 March for the #TOGETHER Against the Far Right national demonstration.
Save the date and sign-up for updates: togetheralliance.org.uk
Together Alliance
Together is an alliance of over 50 civil society organisations united against the far right.
togetheralliance.org.uk
December 16, 2025 at 12:49 PM
The voices of division in our country are growing louder.
It’s up to us to unite against them.
Join us in London on 28 March for the #TOGETHER Against the Far Right national demonstration.
Save the date and sign-up for updates: togetheralliance.org.uk
It’s up to us to unite against them.
Join us in London on 28 March for the #TOGETHER Against the Far Right national demonstration.
Save the date and sign-up for updates: togetheralliance.org.uk
Reform UK talks big on apprenticeships but you can’t build skills for the future on poverty pay.
College lecturers are the lowest-paid teachers in the UK. This must change.
College lecturers are the lowest-paid teachers in the UK. This must change.
December 15, 2025 at 4:41 PM
Reform UK talks big on apprenticeships but you can’t build skills for the future on poverty pay.
College lecturers are the lowest-paid teachers in the UK. This must change.
College lecturers are the lowest-paid teachers in the UK. This must change.