Strike ballot opens at University of Sheffield staff over job cuts

The dispute is over management's plans to put staff in five academic areas at risk of redundancy, as well as continued risk of redundancy to professional services staff across the university. 

The university has announced reviews of academic staffing in chemistry; civil engineering; the management school; materials science and engineering; and the school of East Asian studies, with restructures expected.  

Whilst the number of staff set to be axed has yet to be confirmed, Sheffield is threatening to cut at least £5m by slashing staff and has made clear it is also willing to pursue more cuts by changing departments' size and shape. For staff who remain, this will mean spiralling workload pressures and worse working conditions. 

UCU said the university's accounts demonstrate that it has low levels of debt, and an operational surplus of £6m, so could afford a more measured approach to its current financial situation.  

Sheffield UCU branch president David Hayes said: 'The University of Sheffield continues to pursue a campaign of disruptive and damaging changes in the name of fiscal prudence. The result will be spiralling workloads for staff who remain in post, demoralisation, and worsening workloads across the board. Staff have already had to endure seven years of relentless top-down change from management. It's time for a rethink." 

UCU general secretary Jo Grady said: 'There is no justification for compulsory redundancies at the University of Sheffield, especially when there are other options available.  We will not accept threats to the jobs of our members, and neither will we accept the slow degradation of our members' working conditions through stress and ever-increasing workload pressures that management's current approach represents. If the employer does not listen it can expect to see disruption across campus in the coming months.'