Students to meet 31 July-1 August

Students are coming together for a UK-wide meeting in Sheffield on 31 July - 1 August to discuss national campaigning against cuts.

Since the beginning of July at least six more universities have announced new or further programmes of cuts. Since 2023 over 30,000 jobs have been lost in Higher Education in the UK, with over 15,000 of those happening in the last year alone, and at least six more unis announcing new or further cuts since the start of July 2026.

The University of Dundee, which has cut over 600 jobs, is seeking to cut another 190. In Scotland the “precept” that is paid to unis for home students (who pay no tuition fees) has been frozen in cash terms at £1,820 per year since 2009–10.

Hertfordshire has announced a plan to make 200 staff redundant, and is looking to close History, Philosophy, English Literature, Linguistics and Creative Writing courses, citing low recruitment.

Exeter University plans to cut 150 FTE academic jobs, and the UCU says some 500 people are at risk, 14% of academic staff. Over 80% of those are in the Humanities.

Ballots are being run or are complete and strikes are coming. Petitions are being circulated and signed. Students, where they are still on campus at this time of year, are getting organised. Industrial action can still be strong if it targets exam marking and graduations. §