Student briefing on industrial action at UK universities

You may have seen some recent reports in the news, or heard from your friends at other universities, about staff strikes that will be occurring at most universities across the UK in February and March 2018. We would like to reassure you that there is no planned industrial action due to take place at the University of Birmingham and you should not experience any disruption to your studies during this period.

Last week members of the Birmingham branch of the University and College Union (UCU) were balloted for a second time over proposed changes to the national pensions scheme but the result concluded without a mandate for industrial action at the University of Birmingham.

The education of our students is at the heart of this University and our academic staff have chosen not to take action that will affect students. In choosing not to strike, our academic staff will be able to continue to deliver the highest quality teaching and learning. We are pleased that the focus on your education will not be interrupted and you will receive your teaching in line with your timetable.

You are likely to hear about the industrial action in other universities in the media as it is part of a national campaign about proposed changes to the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS), a higher education pension scheme. Background information can be found on the Universities UK website or via this animated video. 

Professor Tim Jones
Provost and Vice-Principal