Statement regarding upcoming strike action
Brunel University is currently undergoing a period of rapid change. The university’s new restructuring measures - driven by a deepening funding crisis, a significant drop in international student numbers, and aggressive cost-cutting - are set to alter the academic landscape at Brunel dramatically. While these steps aim to stabilise the institution’s finances, many staff members now face potential job losses or significant changes to their working conditions. In response, academic colleagues are preparing to take industrial action with an aim to secure reasonable workloads, and long-term job security.
We want to ensure that every student is aware of the upcoming proposed industrial action, which will take place over the next several months. This includes both strike days and continuous Action Short of a Strike (ASOS), which may affect your teaching, assessments, and overall student experience.
We fully support our academic colleagues’ right to take industrial action and appreciate the serious concerns driving their proposed strike action. While we also recognise that the University must balance these concerns with its own operational requirements, our foremost priority remains the wellbeing of our students. We are deeply concerned that the rapid pace of these changes could adversely affect your academic experience and overall welfare. With this in mind, we are committed to ensuring that you receive the support and clear communication you need during this period of transition.
What is happening and when?
The UCU has announced the following plans for industrial action:
Action Short of a Strike (ASOS) – From 28th February to 11th August 2025, lecturers will be:
- Working to contract
- Not covering for absent colleagues
- Not sharing materials for lectures or classes that are cancelled due to strikes
- Participating in a marking and assessment boycott
- Not rescheduling any cancelled lectures or classes
- Not undertaking any voluntary activities
Strike Action – There will be escalating strike action on the following dates:
- Week 1: 28th February (1 day)
- Week 2: 12th March (1 day)
- Week 3: 18th and 20th March (2 days)
- Week 4: 24th, 25th, and 28th March (3 days)
- Week 5: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th April (4 days)
- Week 6: 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, and 11th April (5 days)
This means that there will be days when your lectures, seminars, and other teaching sessions may be cancelled, and marking or assessments could be delayed.
What are we doing to help?
We know that strike action can be disruptive, and you may be worried about how this will impact your studies, assessments, and academic progress. While we don’t yet have all the answers, we are actively working to get more information and to ensure students receive as much clarity and support as possible.
We are in ongoing discussions with the University to explore ways to minimise any potential disadvantage to students as a result of this action. We will continue to provide updates as we receive more information on how this action will affect you.
Where can you go for support?
If you have concerns, there are several ways you can get help and ensure your voice is heard:
Speak to your Course Rep – If you’re worried about how the strikes are affecting your course, your Course Rep is there to raise these issues with the University on behalf of students. Find your rep and get in touch here. (Don’t forget, you need to be logged in to access this page!)
Contact our Advice Service – If you are facing individual challenges due to the strikes, our independent Advice Service is available to support you. Whether it's concerns about assessments, academic appeals, or other issues, you can find more details and contact them here.
Stay informed – We will continue to share updates as we receive more information. Keep an eye on our website and social media for the latest news.
We’re here for you
We want to reassure you that we are doing everything we can to advocate for students and ensure your issues are addressed. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out - we are listening.
The Union of Brunel Students