Strikes Suspended: University of Nottingham Promotes Dialogue Over Redundancies
The University of Nottingham has suspended planned strike action after committing to a no-compulsory-redundancies pledge by October 2026. This decision came following a pivotal meeting with the University and College Union (UCU) on November 11, 2025, where negotiations centered on staff restructuring and course suspensions.
The UCU had initiated strike action at the start of the academic year, protesting against the proposed staff restructuring that would result in over 200 job losses, primarily affecting teaching and research staff. The university's response to the industrial action included a commitment to no compulsory redundancies before October 2026 and meaningful discussions on alternatives to the suspension and closure of 48 degree programs.
The university's decision to freeze intakes to certain courses, including nursing, sparked controversy. They defended this move as a response to the government's call for specialization and a measure to counter rising costs and a proposed levy on international students. However, the UCU objected, leading to a resumption of strike action on November 10.
After the UCU's largest-ever members meeting, a majority voted to accept the university's offer, resulting in the suspension of strikes from November 17. The union also announced that 'action short of a strike' would continue until the end of December, indicating ongoing pressure for the university to address their concerns.
Lopa Leach, the president of the Nottingham UCU branch, expressed the members' reluctance to accept the offer due to their loss of confidence in university leadership. She emphasized the union's willingness to explore alternatives to course closures, but also hinted at potential future action if real engagement is not evident.
The university has assured its commitment to continuing its partnership with the NHS, training doctors, midwives, and adult nurses. They cited lower demand for nursing disciplines and reduced student numbers in mental health nursing over the past three years as factors influencing their decision to lower tariffs for certain courses.
