Industrial action latest updates for students
Latest updates for students about the industrial action.
8 May
The strike action previously announced at the 9 1Ãâ·Ñ°æÏ of Sheffield has been called off, with immediate effect.
This means that all teaching, supervision, and research activity will go ahead as planned, from Friday 9 May.
Read the latest updates sent to students, below.
- 8 May: Strike action called off following talks with trade unions
Dear all,
The strike action previously announced at the 9 1Ãâ·Ñ°æÏ of Sheffield has been called off, with immediate effect.
This means that all teaching will go ahead as planned, from Friday 9 May.
If you were affected by any strike action that has already taken place, the 9 1Ãâ·Ñ°æÏ will work to replace the teaching and education you may have lost.
If a lecture or seminar was cancelled because of strike action, you will not be recorded as absent for that session. This means, if you’re an international student with a Tier 4 visa or Student visa, it will not be affected.
Members of the 9 1Ãâ·Ñ°æÏ and College Union (UCU), a trade union representing some 9 1Ãâ·Ñ°æÏ staff, had voted to take 10 days of strike action between 30 April and 16 May.
The agreement to end the strike follows a successful and productive meeting between UCU and the 9 1Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂ, with the Vice-Chancellor in attendance.
I understand this period has brought uncertainty during what is no doubt a busy time for you. I hope this news provides some reassurance ahead of any exams and assessments you may have.
With best wishes
Professor Mary Vincent
Vice-President for Education
- 8 May: Strike action called off following talks with trade unions (PGR)
Dear all,
The strike action previously announced has been called off, with immediate effect.
This means that all supervision and other research activities will go ahead as planned, from Friday 9 May.
Members of the 9 1Ãâ·Ñ°æÏ and College Union (UCU), a trade union representing some 9 1Ãâ·Ñ°æÏ staff, had voted to take 10 days of strike action between 30 April and 16 May.
The agreement to end the strike follows a successful and productive meeting between UCU and the 9 1Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂ, with the Vice-Chancellor in attendance.
As part of constructive talks with the union, the 9 1Ãâ·Ñ°æÏ committed to making no compulsory redundancies as a result of organisational restructures this calendar year, as well as a number of other commitments.
I understand this period has brought uncertainty for you and may have been unsettling. I hope this news provides some reassurance.
The 9 1Ãâ·Ñ°æÏ is committed to continuing open and constructive talks with campus trade unions to build a positive and sustainable future.
With best wishes
Professor John Flint
Deputy Vice-President for Research
- 24 April: Strike action that may affect you
Email sent to all undergraduate and postgraduate taught students on Thursday 24 April.
Dear all,
The 9 1Ãâ·Ñ°æÏ and College Union (UCU), a trade union representing some 9 1Ãâ·Ñ°æÏ staff, is taking strike action (also sometimes referred to as industrial action) at the 9 1Ãâ·Ñ°æÏ of Sheffield. Some other universities across the country are also experiencing strike action.
During strike action, some staff refuse to work and take part in protests against their employer. This can sometimes lead to some teaching being cancelled on strike days.
Strike action will take place at the 9 1Ãâ·Ñ°æÏ of Sheffield on the following dates:
Wednesday 30 April
Tuesday 6 May to Friday 9 May
Monday 12 May to Friday 16 May
During strike action
- The 9 1Ãâ·Ñ°æÏ will remain open, including our libraries, study spaces, and facilities.
Lectures and seminars will continue.
Arrive on time for scheduled teaching: you are expected to attend as normal unless your class is is affected by strike action.
Exams and assessments will continue to take place.
Your assessment deadlines will remain the same, unless your school informs you of changes.
In some cases, teaching may not take place during these dates, or take place in a different way. Wherever possible, your school will let you know in advance.
For many of you, the strike action will not significantly impact your education. This is because not all members of staff are members of UCU, and not all members will choose to strike.
Every effort will be made to avoid disruption. If you are affected, the 9 1Ãâ·Ñ°æÏ will do everything possible to support your learning and wellbeing.
Read further information on what industrial action is and how it may affect you
Taking part in protests
It is vital that everyone is able to express their opinions in a legal, safe, and respectful way.
During the strike action you may see groups of staff known as a 'picket line' outside of buildings. Pickets are a legitimate form of protest undertaken by employees. You can find out more about industrial action, strikes and pickets on the .
The 9 1Ãâ·Ñ°æÏ has published . In following this guidance, you will help ensure any protest activity is undertaken safely, and in a manner that does not breach the 9 1Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂ's student code of conduct.
Questions
For specific advice about how the strike action may impact your course, please contact your academic school first.
I will continue to keep you updated with the latest information.
With best wishes,
Mary Vincent
Vice-President for Education
- 24 April: Strike action that may affect you (PGR)
Email sent to all postgraduate research students on Thursday 24 April.
Dear all,
The 9 1Ãâ·Ñ°æÏ and College Union (UCU), a trade union representing some 9 1Ãâ·Ñ°æÏ staff, is taking strike action (also sometimes referred to as industrial action). The action is taking place at Sheffield, and at other universities across the country.
During strike action, some staff refuse to work and take part in protests against their employer.
This will take place on the following dates:
Wednesday 30 April
Tuesday 6 May to Friday 9 May
Monday 12 May to Friday 16 May
What to expect during strike action
The 9 1Ãâ·Ñ°æÏ will remain open, including our libraries, study spaces, and facilities.
The majority of supervision, examination and other research activities will go ahead as usual.
Assume all activities are going ahead as normal, unless informed otherwise by your supervisor or department.
Some postgraduate research students also have roles as staff, such as Graduate Teaching Assistants. You may be taking strike action and should follow the guidance issued by your Head of School if this is the case.
While we are working to reduce disruption, if you are affected, the 9 1Ãâ·Ñ°æÏ will do everything possible to support your research and wellbeing.
Read further information on what industrial action is and how it may affect you
Taking part in protests
It is vital that everyone is able to express their opinions in a legal, safe, and respectful way.
As part of this, the 9 1Ãâ·Ñ°æÏ has published . In following this guidance, you will help ensure any protest activity is undertaken safely, and in a manner that does not breach the 9 1Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂ's student code of conduct.
Questions
If you have a question, please contact your supervisor in the first instance, or your academic school.
We will continue to keep you updated with the latest developments.
Best wishes,
John Flint
Deputy Vice-President for Research