University of Sheffield International College staff to strike over pay and conditions

In the ballot, 90% of those that took part voted for strike action, with 100% backing action short of a strike (ASOS). The turnout was 61%. 

Staff demands include: 

• A pay increase of 12%. 
• Time taken for assessment marking to be included in the workload model for salaried staff and acknowledged as paid work for sessional staff.  
• The provision of five days paid carers leave in a twelve-month period.  
• An additional 5 days of paid annual leave per annum. 

The college is owned and operated by Study Group but is closely connected to the University of Sheffield. Study Group uses University of Sheffield branding and provides preparation courses for overseas students who want to go on and study at the university. Students from all over the world enrol to improve their English, study skills and subject specialism in readiness for their degrees. Courses at USIC can cost students up to £26k per year.   

UCU general secretary Jo Grady said: "This overwhelming mandate for action at Sheffield International College is yet another sign that staff will not tolerate attacks on their pay and conditions. Our demands are not unreasonable, and the hard-working staff employed by USIC deserve better. Instead of pushing their own workforce towards taking industrial action, management needs to work with us to resolve this dispute."