University Staff Begin Industrial Action Over Proposed Job Cuts
Lancaster University is facing significant turmoil as lecturers from the University & Colleges Union (UCU) commenced industrial action on Monday, November 10. This decisive step was taken in response to the university's controversial plan to cut over 400 jobs, a figure that includes 200 academic staff positions. The initial phase of action involves a 'work-to-rule', where staff will strictly adhere to their job descriptions, refusing to cover for absent colleagues or perform any additional duties.
The UCU has warned that this action could persist for up to six months, with the potential for a full strike before Christmas if the university does not rule out compulsory redundancies. University managers cite financial pressures, including a decline in overseas student numbers and rising operational costs, as the primary drivers for the proposed staff reductions. They have emphasised that no final decisions have been made.
Local Businesses Voice Economic Anxieties
The potential job losses have sent ripples of concern through the local business community in Lancaster, which relies heavily on the custom of students and university staff. Market stall holder Mike Gallavan, who sells collectable items, expressed his worry, stating that around half of his customers are students. 'Anything that impacts on students will undoubtedly affect business and stallholders,' he said.
Jill Dukes, who works on a fruit and vegetable stall, highlighted the seasonal importance of the student population, noting that the market is noticeably quieter during the summer break. She estimated that students constitute between 10 and 20 percent of their customer base, adding that many young people and international students, including a significant number from China, are particularly interested in local and independent food stalls.
Eunice Lam and Fiona Han, who run a Chinese food stall, confirmed that Chinese students remain a vital part of their clientele, often seeking a taste of home and a friendly conversation.
Student Perspectives on Education and University Spending
Among the student body, reactions to the news have been mixed, ranging from surprise to deep concern about the quality of their education. Student Joe Crowe admitted he was unaware of the industrial action until recently but was not surprised, having already perceived a reduction in teaching staff. 'I have some sympathy with the lecturers because they think they're being wrongly treated,' he stated.
Fellow geography student Sam Whitworth had received official communication from the university and was worried about potential delays in coursework marking and project cancellations. He also pointed to previous cutbacks, such as the closure of student union-run college bars at the end of the previous year.
Tom Bennett, a nuclear engineering student, questioned the university's financial management. 'Generally, university tuition fees are going up but nothing seems to be improving. Where is the money going?' He referenced a major £100 million carbon capture project and expensive roadworks as examples of significant university expenditure, while staff face job losses.
The situation has even caught the attention of prospective students. Sixth-formers Elena O'Reilly, whose mother works at the university, and Joe Brownsmith voiced concerns about the wider impact on the city's economy and the potential for larger class sizes should the cuts go ahead, underscoring that Lancaster's identity as a university town is at stake.
