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University Strikes November 2022 - your rights as a student

The University and College Union (“UCU”) has announced that university staff will strike on the 24th, 25th and 30th November 2022 over pay, pensions and working conditions. The strikes will take place at 150 universities across the UK, with an estimated 70,000 members striking. This is set to be the biggest ever strike to hit UK universities, and could impact 2.5 million students.

In 2021, UK universities generated a record income of £41.1bn. The vice chancellors of those universities collectively earned an estimated £45million. Despite this, staff face falling pay, cuts to pensions and insecure employment. UCU have threatened that if universities don’t take action, “strike action will escalate in the New Year alongside a marking and assessment boycott”, causing major disruption to students’ learning. 

Despite claims from Universities UK that universities are “well-prepared” for industrial action, it is inevitable that students’ education will suffer as a result. As fee-paying students, the university are obliged to provide you with a reasonable quality of service. Disruptions to this service will of course impact its quality, and you are entitled to challenge this. 

Students will be understandably anxious about the possible disruption to their learning. In the unfortunate event that your studies are impacted by these strikes, HCB Solicitors will be able to assist you. As education law specialists, we have a wealth of experience within the field and will be able to assist you in challenging the university over your concerns with the standard of service provided. Whether you wish to resolve the matter informally with the university, or are considering the prospect of litigation, we are happy to discuss your options via a free telephone consultation. Our higher education solicitors will be able to assist you throughout the entire process, from providing initial advice to representing and liaising on your behalf. 

If you would like to discuss your matter with one of our specialist education legal team, please contact us on 0333 202 7175 or education@hcbgroup.com