In response to more cuts across the University, members of Hallam's University and College Union (UCU) have voted in favour of strike action and 'action short of strike' (ASOS) beginning 27 May. ASOS is when participating staff limit some aspects of their work, but they don’t stop working altogether.
Confirmed strike dates:
- Wednesday 27 May - Friday 29 May
- Monday 1 June - Friday 5 June
- Monday 8 June - Friday 12 June
- Monday 15 June - Friday 19 June
From your President
"We all know the higher education sector is facing financial pressures. At Hallam SU, our primary concern remains the quality of the student experience and the wellbeing of our Hallam community.
As President, I have been supporting our student campaigners standing against any action that degrades the quality of teaching and support services our Hallam students rely on. In alignment with our No Cuts Priority, we are backing the upcoming strike action as well as national lobbying activity calling for the government to reconsider university funding systems."
- Molly Pemberton, Hallam Students' Union President
What does this mean for you?
Some lectures, seminars, tutorials, and workshops may be postponed, cancelled, or delivered differently.
Feedback on assignments, assessments, or coursework may be delayed, and deadlines could shift.
Staff members are not obliged to tell the University in advance if they are striking. You're encouraged to check emails, Blackboard, and module announcements for updates, and attend scheduled sessions as normal unless informed otherwise.
How are campus facilities impacted?
University facilities
The University, helpdesks, and other student services will remain open as normal. You can continue using University learning facilities, such as libraries and study spaces, in the usual way.
Hallam Students' Union
Hallam SU spaces will remain open as usual for coffee, free Wi-Fi, and free pool and ping-pong - everything you need for a productive study session or a well-deserved break.
What can you do?
- Learn about what the University is cutting and why.
- Read your emails from the University explaining how the strikes might impact your studies.
- Read the UCU press release to get an understanding of the different perspectives.
- If you feel strongly against the cuts, learn more about how you can get involved via the Sheffield Hallam Against Cuts (SHAC) Instagram page.
- Get in touch with Hallam Students' Union. As your SU, we're here to support you and our members - see 'Here to support you' section.
What is SHAC?
Sheffield Hallam Against Cuts (SHAC) is a group of students and staff standing against the cuts being imposed at Sheffield Hallam University. Following a student vote to make 'No Cuts' a priority for Hallam SU, we're supporting our members by ensuring SHAC has a strong platform to make their voices heard.
If you're interested in getting involved with protests, joining the picket line, or finding other ways you can make a difference, connect with SHAC via @sheffieldhallamagainstcuts.
A representative from SHAC shared the following message of solidarity:
"Following Hallam UCU's announcement of industrial action, we wish to state that Sheffield Hallam Against Cuts unreservedly stands in solidarity with all striking staff. This round of industrial action comes in response to the announcement of £26.6 million worth of cuts to staffing and resources at Sheffield Hallam University. Such extensive cuts threaten to significantly worsen the student experience at SHU as reductions to the workforce will cause reductions to student support, which is necessary for students to succeed.
This is why we're urging all students to offer their support and understanding to staff, which could be done by joining us on the picket lines from 27 May. They're not striking for their own benefit - particularly as they don't get paid when on strike. They're striking for you, your best interests, and your education. The very least we, as students, can do in return is offer our unremitting solidarity."
What is Hallam Students' Union doing?
We know Sheffield Hallam University, like many other universities across the UK, is in a challenging financial situation, which is why we're backing several national campaigns calling for a total reform of government funding in higher education. We're currently supporting:
- Pay the Placement: Fighting for fair funding and better support for healthcare students working on the frontline with zero pay.
- Fix University Funding: Demanding a national review of how Universities are financed to stop the cycle of cuts to staffing and services.
Here to support you
If you have questions or concerns about the impact of strike action on your studies or academic experience, please continue using the usual channels to get the answers or support you need:
- Talk to a Student Support Adviser if you feel your ability to study is affected. They can suggest other specialist services you can access across the University.
- Contact Student Wellbeing if you're feeling anxious or concerned about the strikes and their impact on you and your studies.
- Raise issues with your Course or Lead Reps, who can share feedback with course/module leaders, or contact your Officer team.
- Speak to SU Advice for free, confidential, and independent advice on academic concerns.
- Share your experience with us if you have feedback on the staff cuts, strike action, or anything else relating to your student experience.