Durham University staff to vote on strike action

University staff are voting on whether to strike over claims they are facing untenable workloads and worsening job security.

The University and College Union (UCU) said the workloads of staff at Durham University had increased after a "significant number of jobs" were cut.

UCU general secretary Jo Grady said the university's management team had refused to "even feign interest in a proper consultation", which had forced staff to a ballot.

A spokesperson for the university said the union's claims were "inaccurate" and it worked closely with "all four of our campus trade unions on issues such as workload".

Grady accused the university's senior leadership of "disrespecting" the branch and called on them to "start engaging".

"Staff at Durham are being asked to do more and more with less and less, while being denied any meaningful reassurance about the security of their jobs," she said.

"Goodwill is not limitless and universities like Durham would collapse tomorrow if their staff stopped going above and beyond out of dedication."

Last year, Durham University announced plans to cut 200 jobs in a bid to cut costs.

But in a letter sent to the UCU in November, the university said despite the cost savings made, reducing expenditure remained a priority.

The letter also dismissed claims it had refused to engage with the UCU and it had responded in writing on 5 February 2025.

"We are disappointed that the UCU are considering action which would be without justification," a university spokesperson said.

"We continue to engage regularly and transparently with our whole staff body on how best to manage the financial pressures on our sector and to mitigate any impacts on students and staff."

The ballot will run from 15 January to 6 February and ask members whether they are willing to strike or take industrial action short of a strike.

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