Southampton Solent University (UCU) Strike Calendar
Strike Type: Education
Latest Southampton Solent University Industrial Action Updates (3)
Strike action is scheduled for specific days in late April and early May, with staff picketing at two locations between 8am and 12pm on strike days.
The industrial action follows management informing 357 academic staff on the Teacher's Pension Scheme via email during the Easter break of the intention to employ them through a subsidiary company starting July 1st.
This proposed change would compel these staff members out of the current pension scheme, resulting in reduced retirement benefits.
The university maintains that slashing pension benefits is necessary to achieve financial savings, but internal analysis suggests the proposed cuts account for less than a quarter of the current financial year's deficit.
The financial challenges are attributed to a failure in university growth, despite receiving the highest rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework and topping National Student Survey rankings.
Previously, management allegedly forced 286 professional support staff onto an inferior pension scheme by threatening immediate termination without compensation if they did not transfer.
Estimates suggest the academic staff's pension benefits could be reduced by one-third, potentially leaving them substantially worse off annually in retirement.
Staff are planning to strike on Monday 9 February and Tuesday 17 February, with pickets scheduled at the Spark Building and Michael Andrews Building in Southampton between 8am and 1pm on both days.
A significant majority, 93% of those balloted, supported industrial action, with a 72% turnout.
The action follows a 2025 decision where 286 staff were transferred to a subsidiary company, Solent University Services Ltd (SUSL).
This transfer moved the affected employees out of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) into a scheme allowing the university to contribute less to pensions.
University management previously informed staff that refusal to transfer would result in immediate termination of employment.
Additionally, the university has signaled its intent to remove academic staff from the Teachers' Pension Scheme by the conclusion of the current academic year.
It is estimated that leaving the Teachers' Pension Scheme for a defined contribution scheme could result in a one-third reduction in retirement income for academic staff.
This reduction is estimated to potentially leave academic staff substantially worse off financially in their retirement annually.
An overwhelming 93% of voting staff supported strike action, with a 72% turnout, indicating potential disruption in the new year if management does not alter its plans.
Staff numbering 286 were moved onto the books of a subsidiary company, Solent University Services Ltd (SUSL).
This transfer removed the affected employees from the industry standard Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) and placed them into a less beneficial pension scheme.
Staff who objected to the transfer by a specified deadline were informed their employment would cease immediately.
The intention is to move all staff, including those currently in the Teachers' Pension Scheme, onto the subsidiary arrangement in the future.
The measures enacted by the university are likened to 'fire and rehire' practices, compelling staff to accept reductions in retirement benefits or face job loss.
Alternative proposals submitted during the consultation period, designed to safeguard pension benefits, were rejected by management.
Southampton Solent University Strike Calendar
4 Strike Dates 3 Planned