University of Gloucestershire Staff Strike Over Pay Dispute

Support staff at the University of Gloucestershire are taking strike action today, Thursday, April 16, after rejecting a pay increase offer they say falls short of covering the cost of living. According to the union UNISON, the proposed 1.4% pay rise fails to keep pace with inflation and the mounting financial pressures on households.

Library assistants, administrators, IT workers, and other support personnel have voiced strong opposition to the offer, which represents the lowest annual pay increase the university has proposed in several years. UNISON highlights that previous pay rises have also lagged behind inflation, deepening concerns over the affordability of daily living for staff.

University officials anticipate minimal disruption to students but promise to keep them updated if situations change. A spokesperson stated that the university is navigating a challenging financial period, reflected in the nationally negotiated pay awards by the Universities and Colleges Employers Association. They expressed confidence that most staff understand the need to maintain the university’s financial health and that any impact on student experience will be limited.

Tim Roberts, UNISON’s South West regional secretary, emphasized the frustration felt by staff: “Our members do not want to strike, but this offer forces their hand. With the cost of living soaring, expecting staff to accept a pay cut in real terms is simply unfair. It’s particularly hard to accept when significant investments are going elsewhere.”

Indeed, the university recently committed £75 million towards a new City Campus development in Gloucester, primarily funded through external sources. UNISON argues this raises serious questions about institutional priorities when employees face stagnant wages.

Further industrial action is planned for Tuesday, April 21, and Wednesday, April 22, indicating ongoing tensions between staff and university management over fair compensation.