Support staff at the University of Gloucestershire are striking today, Thursday, April 16, following the rejection of a pay offer that fails to meet inflation rates, according to UNISON. Library assistants, administrators, IT workers, and other support personnel turned down the proposed 1.4% pay increase, citing the surge in living costs and ongoing financial pressures on households.
UNISON highlights that, despite previous pay rises that have not kept pace with inflation, this latest offer marks the lowest annual raise in several years for university staff. Tim Roberts, UNISON’s South West regional secretary, emphasized that employees feel compelled to strike as the offer does not align with their financial realities. “Universities can’t hide behind national negotiations when their staff are struggling,” Roberts stated, criticizing the university’s apparent prioritization of other investments over fair staff compensation.
The University of Gloucestershire acknowledges the financial challenges faced by the higher education sector and pointed out that the pay offer was part of a nationally negotiated agreement through the Universities and Colleges Employers Association. A spokesperson expressed confidence that most staff understand the importance of balancing pay increases with the institution’s financial sustainability and anticipated minimal disruption to students. Nevertheless, the university pledged to keep its student body informed should any changes occur.
Further strike action is scheduled for Tuesday, April 21, and Wednesday, April 22. The ongoing dispute arises as the university invests heavily in a new City Campus development in Gloucester—a £75 million project largely funded through external sources. UNISON has questioned the university’s priorities, arguing that such significant capital expenditure contrasts starkly with the low pay increase offered to staff, effectively amounting to a real-terms pay cut.