University of Lincoln UCU
Our campaigns
Protecting jobs. Improving working lives. Making our voices heard.
Our strength comes from colleagues acting together. Explore how Lincoln UCU members have organised to defend jobs, challenge decisions and improve working conditions across the University.
2026Jobs & working conditions
Defending jobs. Standing up for staff.
Our current campaigns focus on preventing further compulsory redundancies, defending choice over lecture recording and securing a meaningful voice for staff.
Ballot result ·
A strong mandate to defend jobs
Members also voted 88% in favour of action short of strike, with a turnout of 60%. Thank you to everyone who voted and helped get the vote out.
The branch continues to seek an assurance that there will be no compulsory redundancies in 2026/27. Following the successful ballot, we hold a year-long mandate for industrial action. As at 9 November 2026, no new threat to jobs has been reported. Industrial action would need to pursue a current objective in response to a renewed threat and requires approval from UCU national officers; no strike dates have been announced.
Branch update ·
Compulsory redundancies: November update
Lincoln UCU remains in dispute over the University’s failure to rule out compulsory redundancies in 2026/27, following four rounds of job cuts in four years. The January 2027 student intake will help clarify the University’s financial position.
Depending on recruitment, it may be possible to secure a commitment around February that there will be no compulsory redundancies this academic year, which would settle the dispute. If jobs are threatened, the existing mandate means the branch can respond quickly.
The October update outlined options following Acas conciliation: enhanced redeployment, potentially with external employers; reskilling and retraining during employment; and teaching-only contracts as a possible option for relevant colleagues on TSPP profiles.
These were options under discussion, not agreed changes to colleagues’ contracts.
Members whose jobs were placed at risk during the redundancy process can request their individual feedback. Contact the branch if you need support obtaining it.
Branch update ·
Lecture recording: defending the right to choose
At the October members’ meeting, the motion to enter an industrial dispute over mandatory lecture recording passed with one abstention and no votes against. Members agreed to begin the formal dispute resolution procedure and continue the boycott until the University restores a policy that allows colleagues to opt out.
An extraordinary Joint Consultative Committee meeting between UCU and University representatives is arranged for 16 November 2026 to seek a settlement.
We urge all members to continue refusing to record lectures, including colleagues who are normally happy to do so, in solidarity with those who do not consent. Members with questions about the boycott, management instructions or possible action for non-compliance should contact the branch for advice and support.
UCU report ·
Opposing further job losses
UCU opposed a further round of proposed cuts at Lincoln, warning about the consequences for staff, teaching and research.
In its July report, the union said it would move towards a strike ballot if management continued with the proposals.
UCU report ·
Holding leadership to account
The branch surveyed members following concerns about job security, transparency and the impact of management decisions on working lives.
The result reinforced the call for staff to be heard and meaningfully consulted about change.
2025Action & outcomes
Standing together in defence of jobs
Members organised, voted and took industrial action in a dispute over the threat of compulsory redundancies.
Branch win · September 2025
Planned second redundancy round withdrawn
On 12 September 2025, UCU reported that the dispute had ended after a second redundancy round, due to begin that month, was withdrawn.
UCU credited the work of the branch, members and union staff, together with industrial action, in securing this outcome.
Challenging the proposals
The University threatened up to 285 staff with redundancy. The branch opposed compulsory redundancies and sought a commitment to rule them out.
A mandate from members
In the ballot reported on 9 June, 86% of members who voted supported strike action, on a turnout of 61%.
Taking collective action
Strike action was announced for 4 July as part of the campaign to defend jobs. UCU’s September report subsequently recognised industrial action as an important part of achieving the settlement.
2024Organising against cuts
Challenging cuts across the University
UCU report ·
Defending more than 220 jobs
Faced with proposals threatening more than 220 staff with redundancy, Lincoln UCU entered a dispute and called on management to rule out compulsory job losses.
Member organising · April 2024
Bringing members together
More than 150 staff attended an emergency branch meeting. The branch organised opposition to the proposals and decided to consult members about possible strike action.
EarlierBranch work & representation
Working conditions matter, every day
Alongside major disputes, the branch’s work includes raising concerns, gathering members’ experiences and helping colleagues understand their working arrangements.
From the archive · May 2019
Workload & responsibilities
The branch’s May 2019 newsletter raised workload concerns and sought members’ experiences of programme-leader responsibilities, helping bring workplace issues into collective discussion.
From the archive · May 2019
Hourly paid work & GTA roles
The same newsletter provided guidance on hourly paid work and pay reporting, and explained the distinction between Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) duties and Associate Lecturer work.
It invited colleagues with concerns about their arrangements to contact the branch.
Help shape what comes next.
Every campaign starts with members. Raise an issue with your representative, share your experience or get involved in the work of your branch.