Sheffield, 6th June 2026
The University and College Union (UCU) branch at Sheffield Hallam University has raised serious concerns following the announcement of a new redundancy scheme that could see significant cuts across key staff groups, alongside serious failings in how the process has been handled.
The proposed changes, communicated to staff via email on 4 June, form part of a two-stage redundancy process, beginning with a voluntary redundancy (VR) scheme and followed by compulsory redundancies (CR) if reduction targets are not met. The proposed changes would see some staff teams reduced by up to a quarter or even half of their current size, despite strong student recruitment to several of the university’s largest courses.
UCU Hallam warns that these cuts risk leaving departments without sufficient staff to deliver teaching and support to students from September. With staff expected to leave the university by 31 July under VR and 31 August under CR.
The union has also criticised the university’s handling of the announcement. Information about the targeted staffing reductions was published on the staff intranet before affected staff had been formally notified, and a confidential list of staff at risk of redundancy that was meant to be seen only by those in the redundancy pools was shared more widely across the institution.
Additionally, staff at risk of redundancy were offered confidential meetings with managers and HR representatives, but UCU Hallam understands that some of these meetings have been scheduled after a key stage in the process – the closure of the voluntary redundancy (VR) window – raising further concerns about fairness and meaningful consultation.
UCU Hallam has also raised concerns about the lack of clarity around equality impact considerations, warning that it is not clear how the process will ensure fair treatment for staff on fractional contracts, those with caring responsibilities, or those with health conditions, and whether these staff will be assessed in a non-discriminatory and equitable manner.
A UCU Hallam spokesperson said:
“It is deeply alarming that the university is proposing to cut staffing levels so drastically in areas where student numbers remain high. Removing up to half of staff in some teams risks leaving courses without the capacity to deliver the high-quality education that students expect and deserve.
Equally concerning is the way this process has been handled. Publishing details before staff were informed, and the inappropriate sharing of a confidential list of colleagues at risk, has caused significant distress and undermined trust. Staff deserve far better than this.”
Since 2024, Sheffield Hallam has implemented extensive cost-cutting measures which have seen over 1,000 staff leave the university as part of efforts to reduce its budget deficit. UCU Hallam says these latest proposals show that staff and students continue to bear the brunt of financial decisions, and despite the university’s finances having vastly improved.
UCU Hallam is calling on university leadership to:
- Withdraw the threat of compulsory redundancies
- Offer an improved voluntary redundancy package
- Withdraw the new Grade 8 job descriptor currently being applied to senior lecturer academics required to reapply for posts within redundancy pools
- Withdraw the subsidiary company
The union warns that proceeding with the cuts in their current form could have serious consequences for student experience, staff wellbeing, and the university’s long-term academic provision.
“Staff have already endured years of uncertainty and cuts. These proposals, combined with serious failures in communication and confidentiality, risk further damaging morale and trust. The university must urgently reconsider and work with us to find sustainable solutions that protect both staff and students,” the spokesperson added.
UCU represents academic and professional staff across the UK and is committed to defending jobs, working conditions, and the quality of education.