Strikes off after union forces Lancaster University to withdraw compulsory redundancy threat

Strikes scheduled for Thursday 27 and Friday 28 November along with ongoing action short of strike, have now been called off following management's U-turn. 

University management had planned to axe over 450 staff this academic year due to financial forecasts, but UCU said the employer was relying on overly pessimistic assumptions and seeking to save money by cutting jobs, rather than looking at other areas of expenditure, including unrestrained capital expenditure, overseas campus costs, and pursuit of surplus financial metrics. 

The union described the U-turn as a significant victory, as the employer had maintained throughout the dispute that job losses were needed to save £35m and that it was unable to rule out compulsory redundancies. The threat of strike action was sufficient to force the employer back to the negotiating table.  

Whilst the dispute is not totally resolved, the clear commitment of no compulsory redundancies for academic staff before July 2026 creates an environment where UCU can engage with the employer on alternative proposals. 

UCU general secretary Jo Grady said: 'I want to congratulate every Lancaster UCU member for beating back the threat of compulsory redundancies. This is a significant victory and testament to their hard work and dedication.  There is no doubt that the threat of strike action has forced management back to the table and helped save jobs and student provision.  We now look forward to working with senior managers to find alternative options to protect jobs and student provision in Lancaster.'