Employers play down potential disruption of UCU strikes

Universities well prepared to mitigate the effects of any industrial action on teaching, vice-chancellors say

Universities have moved to play down the potential disruption that will be caused by any industrial action after last week’s University and College Union strike ballots, insisting they are well prepared to ensure lectures continue.

At an 8 November press conference hosted by Universities UK and the Universities and Colleges Employers Association, which are representing employers in the disputes over pensions and pay respectively, two vice-chancellors claimed that institutions would be able to mitigate against the negative effects of any strike action on teaching and learning.