STAFF at the University of Bradford have started 10 days of strike action today.
Workers are walking out over the university’s plans to make £16 million of savings by cutting jobs and closing a number of courses.
The University and College Union (UCU) said its members had “no choice but to down tools”.
The University of Bradford said it is “facing significant financial challenges, like many UK universities”.
According to the UCU, the university has put more than 450 jobs at risk, including academics in archaeology and forensic science, biomedical sciences, public health, and psychology.
The UCU said the university was also planning to close its chemistry, film and TV courses.
After today, further walkouts are scheduled for July 7, 8, 10, 11, 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25.
When the Telegraph & Argus visited the picket line this morning, staff were waving placards saying “no job cuts” and chanting “no ifs, not buts, no education cuts”.
Zak Hughes, branch membership secretary at the University of Bradford branch of the UCU, said the proposed cuts would have a “massive” impact on staff and students.
“Lots of people are going to notice a real difference,” he added.
“Longer-term, it’s also going to harm Bradford significantly.
“The university is one of the biggest employers in Bradford.
“The planned job cuts will have a knock-on effect on the city’s economy.
“The last thing Bradford needs is more job-seekers.”
The University of Bradford said it is ‘facing significant financial challenges, like many UK universities’ (
Stephen Hickey, a member of the University of Bradford branch of the UCU, said: “Management needs to look at this strike action and listen to the very real concerns of our members.”
Jo Grady, UCU general secretary, added: “Bradford staff have no choice but to down tools because they refuse to see important courses cut, jobs axed, and staff and students pay the price for management’s financial failings.”
She urged the university to “extend the consultation period and rule out compulsory redundancies” otherwise “there will be sustained disruption on campus”.
A University of Bradford spokesperson said: “We respect the rights of our staff to take industrial action.
“We appreciate this is a difficult time for many at the university, and we will continue to offer support wherever possible.
“Like many UK universities, we are facing significant financial challenges and addressing these remains a priority in order to safeguard the long-term future of the university.
“We will endeavour to ensure disruption is kept to a minimum and protect the student experience.”
