Members of Durham UCU recently voted in favour of industrial action in response to cost-saving measures that are required to ensure the University’s financial sustainability. As communicated consistently over the last few months, we are doing all we can to achieve the necessary financial savings by voluntary means and we have been particularly emphatic about this.  

However, we must ensure that we can take any necessary action to secure the University’s financial sustainability, and this means that we cannot rule out the possibility of compulsory measures.  We are taking these actions alongside significant savings in non-staff costs. 

As previously indicated, we expect to have a comprehensive picture of the savings made across the University by mid-May. This timeline has been shared with our four campus trade unions, including Durham UCU, and our staff. 

We appreciate the patience of our University community during this time.

You can read our response to Durham UCU's decision to call off the proposed Marking and Assessment boycott at: Marking and assessment boycott - Durham University

Support for our students, including mitigations for industrial action 

We will continue to ensure our students are appropriately supported and to minimise any impact on those who are affected by this action. Examinations and assessments will be held as scheduled.  

We will keep students updated on any important developments via email. 

The University will provide a further update as soon as the financial position is clear.