University statement on industrial action

We are deeply disappointed that confirmed industrial action by members of the Leicester University and College Union (UCU) coincides with the start of the academic year.

The University will remain open throughout the industrial action, and we expect the vast majority of teaching and learning activities to proceed as planned.

We are working closely with Schools and departments to mitigate any potential disruption - this includes rearranging teaching wherever possible. We will directly contact students if there are any known impacts on their scheduled sessions. In the unfortunate case where a teaching session does not proceed as expected, students will be advised on the appropriate steps to take, including reporting the disruption.

While the industrial action is rooted in broader discussions about the future of the University it is important to note that no final decisions regarding redundancies have been made.

The Strategic Review remains ongoing and was initiated to protect what matters most: the quality of our teaching, the experience of our students, and the long-term strength of our institution in a challenging higher education landscape.

As difficult as these decisions are, they are driven by a commitment to sustainability and excellence - values that underpin everything we do.

We remain fully engaged in constructive dialogue with union representatives and are listening carefully to feedback from staff and stakeholders across the university.

Dates of strike action 

Strike action has now been formally confirmed, with 15 days of discontinuous action planned on Monday 29 and Tuesday 30 September, Wednesday 1, Thursday 2, Friday 3, Monday 6, Tuesday 7, Wednesday 8, Thursday 9, Friday 10, Monday 13, Tuesday 14, Wednesday 15, Thursday 16, and Friday 17 October 2025.  Discontinuous means staff may choose to participate in one, multiple or all dates.

In addition, Action Short of Strike (ASOS) will start on Monday 29 September, and will be continuous until 28 February 2026.  ASOS is another form of industrial action that stops short of full strike, an example of this would be not working beyond contractual obligations.

We have written to all staff and students to set out guidance and processes to limit, as far as possible, the impact on them.

This includes frequently asked questions and the wide range of support available.

We are committed to mitigating as far as reasonably practicable the impact of the action on our students and urge anyone who is concerned to get in touch.