A number of staff at the University of Sheffield are on strike this week, taking part in action organised by the UCU (University and College Union).
The industrial action is in protest to restructures taking place at the university, which could lead to redundancies.
UCU members say they are increasingly concerned about job security and argue that cuts are damaging the student experience.
Dr Ryan Bramley, a lecturer in the school of education and a Student Experience Leader, said: “We’re here saying that enough is enough. We are asking for a break and the opportunity to do our jobs without the fear of losing them.
“We’re feeling defiant, we’re feeling tired and we’re feeling jaded. None of us want to be here.”
Since 2024, The University of Sheffield has been carrying out major cost-saving and restructuring programmes.
Last year the university faced a financial gap of around £50m, due to a decline in the recruitment of international students. Students from overseas can pay up to four times more than British students for their studies, depending on the course.
Dr Bramley criticised the university’s priorities in the face of its financial pressures. He said: “There always seems to be money for shiny new buildings but there very rarely seems to be money for staff.”
The Wave, the university’s state of the art social sciences building, was opened in November 2023 and cost nearly £100m to build.
When asked to describe the mood of the picketers, one Professor said: “Pissed off. We are striking because university management are destroying our beloved university.
“Working here is an immense privilege and a great pleasure, but I’m afraid the current management and politics have made universities toxic places.”
Since the restructures began, UCU members have rejected five offers from the university, which each promised to delay compulsory redundancies.
The UCU say the dispute is ongoing because “management refused to rule out further redundancies.”
The University of Sheffield were approached for comment on the continuation of the dispute, but did not respond.
However, on its website, the University said: “We remain committed to avoiding compulsory redundancies wherever we possibly can and to making savings through voluntary means wherever possible. This commitment is part of our approach to making changes in a sustainable way to strengthen our University and ensure a sustainable future. The changes we are making are in response to continued sector-wide challenges.
“In anticipation of UCU calling on its members to take industrial action, the University has been working to minimise any potential impact on students across the University.”