Union warns Starmer of nationwide strike ballots if education crisis ignored

With ballots set to open next month involving tens of thousands of university and college staff, the union said it is prepared to escalate unless urgent action is taken.

UCU general secretary Jo Grady said:

'The crisis gripping education reflects the wider crisis facing Britain. Pay in universities and colleges has been driven down for too long, employment insecure, and there is no hope for the future. The Labour government must invest in education and workers.

'This week is make or break for Keir Starmer. His government is failing workers and failing Britain. Unless he uses Labour Conference to set out a clear change of course, confidence in his leadership will continue to fall - including within his own party.'