Staff at University of Bradford to Strike Over £16 Million Cuts

The University of Bradford is set to experience significant disruption as academic and professional services staff begin a 10-day strike in protest against sweeping financial cuts and planned redundancies. Organised by the University and College Union (UCU), the action begins Monday and will continue intermittently throughout July, amid growing tensions over the university’s proposed £16 million budget reduction.

According to the UCU, approximately 460 staff have been placed at risk, including around 230 academic positions. The university’s leadership aims to reduce staffing levels to those seen in 2019, which equates to the loss of over 300 full-time equivalent roles once part-time positions are taken into account. Staff have expressed grave concerns about the long-term implications for the university’s educational and research capacity.

The proposed cuts include the closure of entire departments, with chemistry and film and television already earmarked for shutdown. Further reductions are expected in key disciplines such as engineering, pharmacy, and public health. The union argues that these moves threaten not only the livelihoods of staff but also the quality and diversity of academic offerings available to students.

UCU General Secretary Jo Grady stated, “Bradford staff have no choice but to take industrial action. Important courses are being dismantled, jobs are under threat, and staff and students are being made to pay for management’s financial mismanagement. We urge the university to extend the consultation period and rule out compulsory redundancies.”

In response, the University of Bradford acknowledged the right of staff to take action and emphasised its commitment to minimising disruption. A spokesperson said, “Like many UK universities, we are facing significant financial challenges. Addressing these remains a priority to safeguard the long-term future of the institution.”

The strike action comes at a time of mounting financial pressure across the UK higher education sector. As institutions grapple with reduced income, fluctuating student numbers, and rising operational costs, the situation at Bradford could signal broader challenges ahead for universities nationwide.