LUCU statement on CR proposals by Lancaster University

~ lucuonstrike

There is no credible financial, strategic, operational or governance justification for compulsory redundancies. The current situation highlights the failings of leadership and governance rather than a genuine financial necessity. LUCU believes that the University should prioritise voluntary measures, natural attrition, non-payroll savings, use of reserves, adjustment of financial targets and KPIs, and halt capital expansion immediately, rather than dismantling the academic base and its supporting professional staff, which have secured the University’s top-10 position in the UK. University Council and senior management must be held accountable for opaque decisions that place private partnerships and surplus metrics ahead of staff, students, and the community.

LUCU Update 24th September 2025

~ lucuonstrike

Dear LUCU members, This week we set the focus on trust and working on partnership. We must do so because the period of consultation is coming to an end, and our interim VC, director of PoE, and interim COO, continue being elusive and not providing clear and detailed answers to our questions. The vagueness on … Continue reading LUCU Update 24th September 2025

“Rule out mass job cuts”, say University ward councillors

~ lucuonstrike

Lancaster UCU is pleased to have received a statement of support below from Councillors Maria Deery and Tom Fish, who represent the University ward on the local Council. Lancaster University is a cornerstone of the area, providing countless jobs and economic growth to its citizens. A sentiment shared by Prof Sarah Kemp stating in her … Continue reading “Rule out mass job cuts”, say University ward councillors

Local Political Parties Stand with Lancaster University Staff

~ lucuonstrike

Lancaster UCU's campaign to stop mass redundancies at Lancaster University continues to attract support. Now it has the backing of local Labour and Green parties who are standing firmly with staff and unions. Both the Lancaster City Council Labour Group and the North Lancashire Green Party have issued powerful statements of support, making clear that … Continue reading Local Political Parties Stand with Lancaster University Staff

Challenging the Blueprint: A Critical Response to Lancaster University’s KPMG Report

~ lucuonstrike

In June 2025, Lancaster University released its “Future Academic and Professional Services Blueprints and Implementation Roadmap,” a document intended to set out a transformative plan for the institution’s future. Produced with input from external consultancy KPMG, the report positions itself as a comprehensive, evidence-based strategy to deliver substantial financial savings and structural reform. Yet, on … Continue reading Challenging the Blueprint: A Critical Response to Lancaster University’s KPMG Report

HE Consultation 2025 – Use your vote!

~ lucuonstrike

On Monday 21st July, a national consultation opened following the ending of negotiations on the 2025/2026 pay claim and the receipt of UCEA’s final offer: an uplift of 1.4% on each point of the New JNCHES pay spine, taking effect on 1st August 2025. The consultative e-ballot will be open until 17:00 on 15th August. The official steer from HEC is to vote to reject the offer (which the committee and all negotiators deem to be very poor) and to vote yes to willingness to take industrial action (IA).