Joint Union meeting statement, Thursday 7 May, 2026

In a joint union meeting on Thursday 7th May, members from UCU, Unison, Unite and GMB
unanimously supported the following statement…
“University leadership, past and present, have severely damaged the university through
financial mismanagement and poor decision making.
Union members from across the University are fearful of further job losses in their area (with
already at least 1,000 jobs having gone under VS) and the impact it will have on their workload,
mental health and the student experience.
Members are concerned that the lack of transparency and forward thinking in decisions being
taken are putting the university at further risk, with members being expected to pay the price for
failures and decisions (both past and present) out of their control.
Union members:
● Have lost confidence in the Board of Governors and the University Executive Board in
future proofing the university and wider community;
● Reject the use of subsidiary companies to alter terms and conditions, including pensions;
● Reject the closure of Collegiate nursery;
● Reject staff losses in catering services;
● Call for university management to protect jobs and look elsewhere for savings.
Union members are committed to working together to protect jobs and terms and conditions
across the university, for the benefit of staff, students and the wider Sheffield community.
This statement will be communicated to UEB by unions.”