University of Nottingham staff to boycott marking in job cuts dispute
Union warns graduation could be disrupted as strike action escalates over plans to cut more than 600 jobs
Staff at the University of Nottingham are to boycott all marking and assessment work from today (Wednesday 20 May), in a dispute over planned job cuts.
The University and College Union (UCU) says the action follows an overwhelming vote in favour, with 87% of members backing the boycott on a 64% turnout.
The union says the action could prevent students from graduating if the dispute is not resolved, as staff would refuse to mark work for the rest of the academic year.
When does boycotting begin?
The marking and assessment boycott is due to begin on Wednesday 20 May and would continue until Friday 31 July; which marks the end of this year's academic season.
Staff say this could affect the processing of marks and delay results and graduations.
Alongside the boycott, strike action is planned for Friday 22 May, with picket lines due to be held from 8am across the university campus.
The University and College Union has also indicated further disruption could continue while talks with management remain unresolved.
Why are staff at the University of Nottingham boycotting?
- Staff say the boycott is in response to plans to cut more than 600 jobs at the university.
- They argue the proposed reductions would significantly impact teaching quality and student support.
- They highlight increasing class sizes and reduced staffing levels harms quality of education.
- They claim previous agreements aimed at avoiding compulsory redundancies have not been upheld.
- Staff claim that negotiations with management at the university have failed to produce an alternative.
- Union members argue that industrial action is now the only remaining means of seeking a resolution.
Politics Professor Andreas Bieler said the boycott comes after talks with the university have failed, saying:
“We have tried everything… management is just not listening.”
He added staff felt they had “no alternative left” but to take action.
The union’s general secretary Jo Grady said the university has been “put on notice” and warned that members are prepared to block graduation marking if compulsory redundancies are not ruled out.
She added that staff do not want to take action but accused senior management of “ruining the university” and said staff and students should not pay the price for financial mismanagement.
What does this mean for students?
Staff say the boycott could delay marking and assessment results, which in turn could delay student progression and graduation if the dispute is not resolved.
They add that increased class sizes and reduced staffing levels are already affecting the student experience, and warn that disruption may continue while industrial action is ongoing.
University of Nottingham response:
The university says no redundancies have been finalised.
A spokesperson said it is “disappointing” that industrial action is being taken at a sensitive time for students, and insisted many students may not be affected.
A University of Nottingham spokesperson said:
“While we respect our employees' right to take industrial action, the fact this is being done to create maximum disruption for our students at an already stressful time is really disappointing.
"While many of our students will be unaffected by this action, we understand this will cause concern and want to reassure them we have clear procedures and support in place to minimise any disruption. Nothing has been finalised regarding redundancies.
It added that proposals are still under consultation with unions and nothing will be implemented until a final business case is approved by the university council in the autumn.