Join Unison branches lobbying Parliament on the 3rd of June, 12.30PM-14.30PM
SOAS Unison will be represented there – join us to fight for our sector!
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.
What can we do about it?
There are several approaches you can take. Pick what is best for you:
- Arrange a meeting with your MP at parliament, then attend the 3rd of June lobby
- Email your MP your thoughts on the HE funding crisis and demand action
- Talk to your colleagues and friends about the HE funding crisis
Document: How to lobby on the 3rd of June
If you are attending the lobby, make sure you contact your MP and invite them to see you there. This should be done in advance. Let us know if they reply to you by forwarding to unison@soas.ac.uk.
Template email to invite your constituency MP
Where can I find out more?
The Higher Education Service Group Executive is delivering a webinar to help guide branches with their campaigns to fight cuts and defend jobs in universities:
Webinar: Fighting the Cuts in Higher Education, Wednesday 21 May 2025, 12:30 – 13:30pm
Can I get an extended lunch break to attend the lobby?
SOAS Unison has notified senior management of the possibility that staff may attend anytime between 12.30PM-14.30PM. The funding crisis impacts jobs at all levels in HE, so we strongly believe it is in the interest of all staff to be able to attend.
Ask your line manager if you can have a flexible lunch break on the 3rd of June to attend the lobby. Managers should endeavour to allow flexible arrangements, where possible.
Can non-members attend the lobby?
We encourage all members of staff to communicate with their MP and join the lobby with us. Please tell your colleagues.
