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.
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.
🚨 Strike ballot opens at University of Essex
Management plans to close Southend campus and axe 400 jobs.
All staff were told they could lose their jobs as they broke up for Christmas.
This is academic vandalism and we will not accept it.
www.ucu.org.uk/article/1428...
Management plans to close Southend campus and axe 400 jobs.
All staff were told they could lose their jobs as they broke up for Christmas.
This is academic vandalism and we will not accept it.
www.ucu.org.uk/article/1428...
Strike ballot opens at University of Essex in fight to save campus & jobs
Staff at the University of Essex are being asked to back strike action over plans to close the university's Southend campus and axe 400 jobs.
www.ucu.org.uk
December 15, 2025 at 3:24 PM
🚨 Strike ballot opens at University of Essex
Management plans to close Southend campus and axe 400 jobs.
All staff were told they could lose their jobs as they broke up for Christmas.
This is academic vandalism and we will not accept it.
www.ucu.org.uk/article/1428...
Management plans to close Southend campus and axe 400 jobs.
All staff were told they could lose their jobs as they broke up for Christmas.
This is academic vandalism and we will not accept it.
www.ucu.org.uk/article/1428...
“15,000 university jobs are up for the chop.
This is a national crisis in higher education and it is being allowed to happen.”
Jo Grady on BBC politics live today.
This is a national crisis in higher education and it is being allowed to happen.”
Jo Grady on BBC politics live today.
December 15, 2025 at 2:29 PM
“15,000 university jobs are up for the chop.
This is a national crisis in higher education and it is being allowed to happen.”
Jo Grady on BBC politics live today.
This is a national crisis in higher education and it is being allowed to happen.”
Jo Grady on BBC politics live today.
Show your support to all our colleagues balloting!
@ucu.org.uk @ducu.bsky.social @sheffielducu.bsky.social @ducuuo.bsky.social @umucu.bsky.social @qmucu.bsky.social @uswucu.bsky.social @northeastbylines.co.uk @chroniclelive.co.uk
LOCAL BALLOT OPENS TODAY @ucunorthumbria.bsky.social.
VOTE YES-YES TO SAVE PAY AND PENSIONS (and to stop more silly songs like this)...
VOTE YES-YES TO SAVE PAY AND PENSIONS (and to stop more silly songs like this)...
December 15, 2025 at 12:03 PM
Show your support to all our colleagues balloting!
Edinburgh: 350 jobs at risk, alongside pay freezes and reduced hours.
Strathclyde: 70 job cuts announced.
These issues were raised during First Minister’s Questions in the Scottish Parliament, as university staff face deep uncertainty heading into Christmas.
Strathclyde: 70 job cuts announced.
These issues were raised during First Minister’s Questions in the Scottish Parliament, as university staff face deep uncertainty heading into Christmas.
December 12, 2025 at 1:00 PM
Edinburgh: 350 jobs at risk, alongside pay freezes and reduced hours.
Strathclyde: 70 job cuts announced.
These issues were raised during First Minister’s Questions in the Scottish Parliament, as university staff face deep uncertainty heading into Christmas.
Strathclyde: 70 job cuts announced.
These issues were raised during First Minister’s Questions in the Scottish Parliament, as university staff face deep uncertainty heading into Christmas.
If you are nearby get yourself down! If not, be sure to show your support in any way you can.
Our members deserve better.
Our members deserve better.
December 11, 2025 at 3:55 PM
If you are nearby get yourself down! If not, be sure to show your support in any way you can.
Our members deserve better.
Our members deserve better.
We love nothing more than support for our members from our students! Take a look and remember that cuts to stadd harm student and the future of education.
Awesome from the chemistry department students at @sheffielduni.bsky.social in support of @sheffielducu.bsky.social 👌
youtu.be/TxdDV0G9Ys0?...
youtu.be/TxdDV0G9Ys0?...
Express support for our chemistry lecturers!
YouTube video by Hector HH
youtu.be
December 11, 2025 at 3:52 PM
We love nothing more than support for our members from our students! Take a look and remember that cuts to stadd harm student and the future of education.
We stand with @eduinternational.bsky.social in condemning the Israeli attacks on Palestinian universities.
This is a blatant violation of international norms and conventions that protect the sanctity of educational institutions.
Universities must never be treated as military targets.
This is a blatant violation of international norms and conventions that protect the sanctity of educational institutions.
Universities must never be treated as military targets.
Education International Condemns Israeli Attacks on Palestinian Universities
Education International (EI) strongly condemns the violent raids by Israeli forces on two major Palestinian universities in the West Bank during the early hours of Tuesday, 9 December. EI calls on Isr...
www.ei-ie.org
December 10, 2025 at 5:32 PM
We stand with @eduinternational.bsky.social in condemning the Israeli attacks on Palestinian universities.
This is a blatant violation of international norms and conventions that protect the sanctity of educational institutions.
Universities must never be treated as military targets.
This is a blatant violation of international norms and conventions that protect the sanctity of educational institutions.
Universities must never be treated as military targets.
Essex students found out their campus was closing from a link in a WhatsApp chat.
800 students uprooted.
400 jobs cut.
One university in crisis.
Students and staff deserve better.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
800 students uprooted.
400 jobs cut.
One university in crisis.
Students and staff deserve better.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
University of Essex student 'devastated' by campus closure
Four hundred staff jobs are also being axed in cost-cutting measures by the University of Essex.
www.bbc.co.uk
December 10, 2025 at 3:07 PM
Essex students found out their campus was closing from a link in a WhatsApp chat.
800 students uprooted.
400 jobs cut.
One university in crisis.
Students and staff deserve better.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
800 students uprooted.
400 jobs cut.
One university in crisis.
Students and staff deserve better.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Amazing to have @jeremycorbyn.bsky.social on the picket line outside Capital City College in Finsbury Park.
Our members are on strike over pay, national bargaining and workload. Please show your support!
Our members are on strike over pay, national bargaining and workload. Please show your support!
December 10, 2025 at 2:58 PM
Amazing to have @jeremycorbyn.bsky.social on the picket line outside Capital City College in Finsbury Park.
Our members are on strike over pay, national bargaining and workload. Please show your support!
Our members are on strike over pay, national bargaining and workload. Please show your support!
✊ Yesterday UCU members stood at Southampton Solent as the Board discussed a fire-and-rehire proposal that would weaken pensions.
UCU is clear: no to fire and rehire.
#SouthamptonSolent #UCU
UCU is clear: no to fire and rehire.
#SouthamptonSolent #UCU
December 10, 2025 at 10:09 AM
✊ Yesterday UCU members stood at Southampton Solent as the Board discussed a fire-and-rehire proposal that would weaken pensions.
UCU is clear: no to fire and rehire.
#SouthamptonSolent #UCU
UCU is clear: no to fire and rehire.
#SouthamptonSolent #UCU
A powerful message from our colleagues in Ukraine.
Together, we helped stop legislative attacks on teachers’ rights.
Solidarity changes outcomes.
Together, we helped stop legislative attacks on teachers’ rights.
Solidarity changes outcomes.
December 9, 2025 at 4:20 PM
A powerful message from our colleagues in Ukraine.
Together, we helped stop legislative attacks on teachers’ rights.
Solidarity changes outcomes.
Together, we helped stop legislative attacks on teachers’ rights.
Solidarity changes outcomes.