University of Lincoln staff to strike over plans to cut jobs
Staff at the University of Lincoln have voted to take industrial action over proposed job cuts that could affect nearly 300 roles.
The University and College Union (UCU) announced that 86% of members who voted backed strike action, with a turnout of 61%.
In April, the university warned of potential job losses after launching a consultation on departmental restructures. A mutually agreed resignation scheme (MARS) has been introduced for staff who wish to leave voluntarily, and the university expects most reductions to come through this route.
In an email seen by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Unison branch secretary Daren Mansfield said the proposed number of redundancies, including those taking MARS, amounts to 10.7% of the university’s workforce.
The UCU previously told the BBC it believes 285 jobs could be lost. A university spokesperson described this figure as a “worst-case scenario.”
The union believes that, while there are challenges across the sector, the situation at Lincoln has been handled especially poorly—exacerbated by what it sees as imprudent spending decisions and a management team operating with little input from academic staff or accountability for its mistakes.
Last month, UCU members at Lincoln passed a vote of no confidence in the university’s senior leadership team, with 95% of participants indicating they do not have faith in the university’s managers.
UCU general secretary Jo Grady said: “Far from safeguarding jobs, Vice Chancellor Neal Juster has announced plans to threaten nearly 300 staff with redundancy ahead of further ‘restructuring’ in the next academic year, and possibly beyond. Yearly cuts have damaged staff morale and management must look at this vote for strike action and begin listening to our concerns. If the vice-chancellor continues to refuse to change direction and rule out compulsory redundancies then we will be forced to strike."
However, a spokesperson for the University of Lincoln highlighted that those voting in favour of strike action represent roughly 12% of the university’s total workforce, and no industrial action has yet been confirmed.
They said: “The University of Lincoln's priority will always be to put students first. We have plans in place to minimise any disruption to teaching or the student experience if industrial action goes ahead.
“We remain committed to meaningful dialogue with trades unions as we reshape the university, in line with our refreshed strategy, to meet the needs of the students, communities and businesses we serve.”
“As winner of the Queen’s Anniversary Prize and one of the few UK universities to hold triple Gold status in the national Teaching Excellence Framework, the university has a clear vision and plan to keep delivering for our students and communities amid the financial pressures facing UK universities. Universities are engines for economic growth and powerful levers for tackling the UK’s deepening regional inequalities. As an example, we announced last week our plans to tackle the region’s severe shortage of dental professionals and increase patient access to NHS dental care.
“A recent report from the Office for Students predicts nearly half of universities will return a financial deficit in 2024/25. We expect to achieve a breakeven position due to careful management of finances over the past two years.
“The changes we are making now – which include growing areas in response to student demand and areas that have the potential to generate income for the university – are key to adapt to the new higher education landscape and realise the bright future ahead.”
UCU members had also voted to strike over more than 200 proposed job cuts, including one in 10 academic roles, in June last year. At the time, 80% of members backed industrial action on a turnout of 55%, though no strikes ultimately took place.
Lincoln’s Labour MP Hamish Falconer recently raised concerns over the latest round of cuts, stating: “I am deeply concerned by the news of further job cuts at the University of Lincoln. The university is one of our city’s largest employers and plays a vital role in Lincoln’s economy, culture, and community life.
“I am in dialogue with both the trade councils and the university leadership regarding this situation. I understand the concerns being raised and will continue to engage with all sides to seek a positive way forward. The staff and students at the university are a cornerstone of our city, and their well-being must be at the heart of any decisions made.”
