As a Students' Union, we stand in solidarity with the 70,000 striking university staff across the country.

Our Officer team will work with our local UCU representatives and Sheffield Hallam University to resolve issues at a local level to reduce the impact on our students and their studies.

However, this industrial action results from a national dispute, so the focus of our work will be in partnership with NUS and other Students' Union leaders across the country to coordinate a collective response.

When will the strikes take place?

The UCU will strike on the following dates: 24, 25 and 30 November. They will also begin industrial action short of strike from 23 November.

Why is industrial action taking place?

Members of Universities and Colleges Union (UCU) will take industrial action to lobby their employers by demanding better pay, working conditions, and pensions. The strike is a last resort after failed negotiations between the UCU and employers.

How will students be affected in the short-term?

The more students support these issues, the less their education will be disrupted. However, students can expect to see some disruption in their learning as some classes may be cancelled because of staff taking strike action.

How will students benefit in the long-term?

Staff resorting to industrial action is not a decision taken lightly. In the long term, students can expect to see better learning outcomes, better quality teaching and, overall, an improved working environment for staff.

Need further support?

If you have questions, please continue to use your normal channels to contact academic staff and other services. The University, libraries, helpdesks and other student services will all remain open as normal during this time. If you are feeling anxious because of this strike action, you can take advantage of the University's Student Support Services or the Students' Union Advice Centre.

Read our policy on industrial action