Unions ballot in university sector

Universities could see major strikes in the coming academic year, as over 65,000 members of the University and College Union (UCU) are set to be balloted for strike action over pay. The ballot will be run on an aggregated basis covering 138 institutions and is expected to open in mid-October.

The Universities and Colleges Employers Association (UCEA) has offered 1.4% for 2025–26, meaning a real terms pay cut of 3%. The UCU notes that pay has been degraded by inflation by at least 30% in the past decade.

UCU general secretary Jo Grady said: “University employers are now on notice that we will launch a UK-wide pay ballot with the potential for coordinated strike action that will cause maximum disruption on campus.” She added: “It’s time for them to come back to the table with an improved offer that will settle this dispute and avoid the need for a strike ballot and potential industrial action.”

All five unions in higher education (EIS, GMB, UCU, UNISON and Unite) have consulted their members and received a strong response rejecting the “insulting” offer.

In a joint statement, the unions said: “Anticipating a mandate for industrial action, we will also look to coordinate this action as one collective.

“UCEA can still pull the sector back from the brink and avoid disruption this academic year by returning to the negotiating table with a meaningful offer and agreeing unequivocally to jointly lobby government for an alternative, stable funding system.”