Staff at the University of Sheffield are on day four of their strike action. The strikes are set to play out over ten days across three weeks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The striking comes in response to the University\u2019s plan to cut staffing costs by \u00a323 million over the next two years, affecting 796 jobs and 50 compulsory redundancies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
74% of the University College Union for The University of Sheffield voted to back strike action, with 57% turning out to vote. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The UCU for the University says that the dispute could be resolved if the management commits to no compulsory redundancies and scales back the planned staffing cuts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nick Burke, a UCU rep, said: “We’ve had an offer today that we’re going to discuss that is about no compulsory redundancies until January.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“It could be kicking the can down the road but for people faced with that threat its a significant plus.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A spokesperson for the University of Sheffield, said: “We\u2019re pleased to have been able to work with UCU to bring the current industrial action to an end. As a result of our prudent financial planning and strategic approach to addressing the challenges facing the higher education sector, we’ve been able to agree that there will be no compulsory redundancies as a result of restructuring this calendar year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe will continue to work constructively with our campus trade unions to secure our long-term future and success as a world-leading university.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n