Oxford University Press workers to protest against plans to move jobs to India
Staff are set to rally outside the publisher's headquarters in Oxford today
Last updated 8th Oct 2026
Oxford University Press (OUP) workers are set to demonstrate in Oxford today as part of a dispute over plans to move jobs to India.
Members of the Unite union working in finance operations are due to hold a rally outside OUP’s headquarters, at the corner of Walton Street and Great Clarendon Street, between 12.30pm and 1.30pm.
Around 30 Unite members are currently on strike, with industrial action due to continue until Friday.
Unite says staff have been seeking a resolution since the plans were announced in June and have been asked to remain with OUP for six months to train their replacements.
Unite says OUP has not approached the union for discussions since mid-August and that members have faced threats of disciplinary action and dismissal over industrial action.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "Unite will not allow our members to be threatened and intimidated for taking strike action and we will always fight any plans to offshore British jobs.
"OUP must change tack and enter into meaningful negotiations. This is disgraceful behaviour from a well-known employer and our members deserve better - they will always have our full backing."
Workers have been taking industrial action since September 28th, having previously walked out between September 1st and 11th.
Unite regional officer Naomi Gravett said: "Once again, the OUP is choosing to put profits over people. The way it has behaved throughout this dispute is very sub-standard.
"There is no financial rationale for this decision to offshore its hardworking staff and it must reconsider or face further action. Our members are determined to stick together to fight for their jobs."
Unite has also pointed to other potential job cuts at OUP, including 113 proposed redundancies in its Education and English Language Teaching divisions.
Oxford University Press responded saying: “All of the colleagues impacted by the changes have accepted the terms offered, which include enhanced redundancy terms.
"We have provided outplacement and wellbeing support, and funding for professional development. We continue to seek opportunities for redeployment and some colleagues have secured alternative roles within the Press.
"Approximately half of the colleagues who voted in favour of industrial action have taken part in the strike, and we have plans in place to minimize any potential disruption to colleagues, customers, or suppliers during this time.
"We have met with Unite to explore ways to resolve the dispute. We have always acted, and will continue to act, in good faith.”