Background
Higher education is in crisis. The combination of tuition fees, Brexit, declining international student numbers – exacerbated by the last government’s hostile environment towards immigration – and inflationary pressure has placed some universities in incredibly challenging circumstances.
Across the sector, we are seeing cuts and redundancies at an alarming rate, and UNISON members are feeling the devastating effects of closures, cutbacks, and withdrawal of services. Many UNISON branches and regions are running excellent campaigns in response to proposed cuts, and many more will be launching campaigns in the near future.
An estimated 70 institutions are reducing staffing numbers to cut costs. And even prior to the current situation, our members have seen their pay and conditions decline continuously for the past fourteen years. Since 2010, the pay our members receive has reduced by 28% in real terms, with an alarming 75% of our members telling us they are concerned about coping with the cost of living and affording necessities such as food, energy, and housing. The Office for Students expects that in 2025-26, 72% of universities could be spending more money than they have coming in.
UNISON’s campaign
The Higher Education Service Group is launching a national campaign called ‘Fund Our Future’. The campaign is calling for fundamental changes in the way HE is funded. We will be supporting branches in your local campaigns fighting cuts.
A range of campaign resources and initiatives will be available here in the coming weeks and months. This will include national political activities, training, guidance and more.
What can I do?
Join SOAS Unison!
We will be actively supporting this campaign across the year. Keep an eye on our events and news pages for up-to-date information on how the branch is campaigning.
