Planned industrial action at Lancaster University has been suspended following talks.
Members of the University and College Union (UCU) were due to go on strike next Thursday and Friday (November 27 and 28) in an escalation of their row with university bosses over potential job losses.
Ongoing ‘action short of strike’ has also been called off, where UCU members at the university were working to rule, refusing to cover absent colleagues, and refusing to undertake any work outside of their job description.
Earlier in the year plans to reduce the workforce by more than over 400 staff by the end of this academic year at the end of July 2026, including over 200 academics, were revealed by university bosses, in a bid to save up to £30m.
UCU accused the employer of relying on overly pessimistic forecasts and seeking to achieve the savings it claims are needed by axing staff, rather than looking at other areas of expenditure.
UCU general secretary Jo Grady said: 'I want to congratulate every Lancaster UCU member for beating back the threat of compulsory redundancies. This is a significant victory and testament to their hard work and dedication.
‘’There is no doubt that the threat of strike action has forced management back to the table and helped save jobs and student provision. We now look forward to working with senior managers to find alternative options to protect jobs and student provision in Lancaster.’’
Read more:
Strike dates set at Lancaster University in jobs cut row
Staff begin industrial action over proposed job cuts at Lancaster University


Award success for Lancaster and Morecambe's talented musical theatre stars
Worldwide rescue charity thanks Heysham 1 power station for donation
How you can help shape bid for Morecambe to become first UK Town of Culture
Friends of Morecambe venue mark 125th birthday of famous variety star
Support programme to help vulnerable women in Lancaster and Morecambe awarded funding
Lancaster restaurant keeps premises licence despite use of illegal workers and unpaid fines
Person rescued from cliff edge in Heysham
Increased noise and steam as reactors come back online at Heysham power station
Lancaster community centre celebrates £220K Lottery award
LISTEN: Heysham fundraiser tells inspiring story of surviving sudden cardiac arrest
Date and fundraiser announced for return of Lancaster Pride
Beyond Radio 10 for 10: The Big Lancaster Spring Clean
Rapist jailed for attacking vulnerable man in Lancaster
LISTEN: £30K fundraiser for Lancaster community farm closing in on target
Person rescued from vehicle after collision near Carnforth
Firefighters called to chemical spillage on Lancaster industrial estate
MP calls for government debate amid continuing uncertainty over Lancaster day centre
Punk poets, national treasures and returning favourites at Morecambe Poetry Festival
Lancaster district empty homes given new lease of life after years of neglect
Appeal after driver suffers ‘significant’ head injury following Lancaster collision

